Edward Abbey: A Life by Cahalan - Essay Example

Abbey’s writings are inspired by his life experiences.  Desert Solitaire, published in 1968, which is considered one of the best narratives in nature writing, tells about Abbey’s experience in Utah where he worked as a ranger. Abbey’s writings are not only engaging and entertaining but they also serve as a wake-up call for the conservation of nature. Abbey’s long list of essays and books includes Jonathon Troy, Fire on the Mountain, and Black sun but the book that earned him the greatest acclaim was ‘The Monkey Wrench Gang’ which was published in 1975. The book coined the word ‘monkey wrenching’ which meant to sabotage the defense of the environment. It is also speculated that the book inspired the formation of the militant group ‘Earth First’ (Cahalan).

His orneriness over environmental issues made Abbey a hero among the activists of his time. This protagonist of radical environmentalism died at the age of 62 and was buried in the state of Arizona.