No writer has had a greater influence on the American West than
Edward Abbey (1927-89), author of twenty-one books of fiction and
nonfiction. This long-awaited biographical memoir by one of Abbeys
closest friends is a tribute to the gadfly anarchist who
popularized environmental activism in his novel "The Monkey Wrench
Gang" and articulated the spirit of the arid West in Desert
Solitaire and scores of other essays and articles. In the course of
a twenty-year friendship Ed Abbey and Jack Loeffler shared hundreds
of campfires, hiked thousands of miles, and talked endlessly about
the meaning of life. To read Loefflers account of his best pals
life and work is to join in their friendship.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Abbey came west to attend the
University of New Mexico on the G.I. Bill. His natural inclination
toward anarchism led him to study philosophy, but after earning an
M.A. he rejected academic life and worked off and on for years as a
backcountry ranger and fire lookout around the Southwest. His 1956
novel "The Brave Cowboy" launched his literary career, and by the
1970s he was recognized as an important, uniquely American voice.
Abbey used his talents to protest against the mining and
development of the American West. By the time of his death he had
become an idol to environmentalists, writers, and free spirits all
over the West.
"Ed Abbey and Jack Loeffler were like Don Quijote and Sancho
Panza. Loeffler delivers his friend, warts and all on a platter
full of reverence and irreverence and carefully researched factual
information, interspersed with hearty laughter and much serious
consideration of all lifes Great Questions. Jacks story elucidates
and demythifies the Abbeylegend, giving us powerful flesh and blood
instead."John Nichols
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