Legends of the American Desert : Sojourns in the Greater Southwest

by Alex Shoumatoff, Alfred A. Knopf

Release Date: 01 September, 1999

Edition: Paperback

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A far ranging, uneven, good read about the Southwest

Alex Shoumatoff's book is a good read that on the plus side talks about a wide range of subjects both ancient and modern and covers everything from archeology to zoology on the scientific side. He obviously spent a long time working on the book. One of the most illuminating things about the books is its description of the feelings of the various Indian Tribes about their history and the dominant Anglo culture. His description about how some of Navajo and Hopi people feel about Tony Hillerman was very interesting. He expresses personal experience and opinions freely about everything from drug use to politics and it makes for interesting reading whether you agree with him or not. The general tone is that of an old hippie yearning for the old days when more people cared. Overall I liked the book and its rambling style. The only problem I had was it was too disjointed in theme and despite a bunch of editors working on it over the years it had several annoying errors.

A Little Suspect

I've explored a little southwestern desert over the 19 years I've lived in the West and believed I was learning from the book and was certainly enjoying it. I discovered an error that tipped me off to do a little research here on what I was reading. As I learn of all the other errors, the book now seems a little suspect. I'm scratching my head wondering if I should continue. I think not, even though I was truly enjoying it.

P.S. The author referred to the place where the Mormons, in search of a short route to the Pacific, chipped and dynamited their way through the redrock canyon wilderness near Escalante, Utah, approaching the Colorado River, to make room for their wagons and handcarts.

The author referred to that place as "Hole in the Wall." It should be "Hole in the Rock." Hole in the Wall is a place in Johnson County, Wyoming where Butch, Sundance and assorted outlaws used to hide from the law (the members thereafter known as "The Hole in the Rock Gang").