"Granite Mountain Spring" is the best desert book I've come across recently. The subtitle of the book is "An Introduction to the Eastern Mojave Desert, California", but I don't think I'm biased just because it's about my beautiful part of the world.
The author and illustrator, Flora Pomeroy, spent the spring of 1982, living in a tent in the Granite Mountains, writing this natural history of the area, a senior project for her studies at the Univ. of Santa Cruz.
She experiences the desert--its dry washes, springs, sand dunes, mountain ridges--with all of her senses and her writing is fluid prose. The animal., plants, birds, and reptiles are illustrated with charming pen and ink drawings.
We learn about the history, geology, climate, plant and animal life and ancient Native Americans of this region and some of the current problem. facing the East Mojave.
The 75 page book is published by University of California, Santa Cruz, 1986, Environmental Field Program Publication No. 17. I've not seen it in bookstores but my daughter was able to purchase it through the Sierra Club Natural Science Section at a recent workshop weekend. I recommend it highly for all DPSers who have climbed or will climb in the East Mojave.
| Dear Ron, | 9/25/91 |
My favorite Desert book, although not just the desert, is "Timescapes by Air" by Barry Rokeach. This is a good quality commercial book that borders on fine art. It illustrates unique perspectives of various landscapes. I recommend it highly. ---Jim Kilberg
Dear Ron,
10/21/91I've been procrastinating too long! I've thought about it and the only book that comes immediately to mind as my first choice is the Audubon Society Nature Guide, "Deserts" by James A. MacMahon (l985). This book has marvelous photos sod is a perfect gift f or desert aficionados as well as those unaware of the beauty and diversity available to see. I have also enjoyed "The Desert Journal", Reflections of a Naturalist by Raymond R. Castes (1977), as well as "Exploring Death Valley" 2nd edition (1965) by Ruth Kirk - may be outdated.
Cordially, J. Holshuh
More books next month