Customer Reviews (2)

A great sampler across time, styles, interests, emphases
You can see the desert through the somewhat more genteel environmentalism of Joseph Wood Krutch, the early crusading of Aldo Leopold, or the anarcho-environmentalism of Ed Abbey.

Desert treks? The eight-year struggle for survival of Cabeza de Vaca, the humorous inflated yards, with seriousness behind them, of James Ohio Pattie, and more, are in here.

The literary west? With emphases on different aspects of it? Dryland concerns of both Mary Austin and Wallace Stegner are featured, as is a selection from one of Tony Hillerman's American Indian-based murder mysteries or D.H. Lawrence's Taos-influenced reverie.

If you aren't yet sure why the desert enchants so many, or if your sense of enchanting needs refreshing, this needs to be in your hands.

How perceptions of the great American deserts have changed over time
The New Desert Reader is a 384-page collection of informed and informative writings about the American Southwest that show how perceptions of the great American deserts have changed over time. First Dreamers is a chapter that explores ancient legends of the Tohono O'Odham Indians,; it is followed by Two Dreams Meet, taken from a narrative by Cabeza de Vaca. Among additional authors whose writings are included are, Dean and Lucille Saxton, William L. Manley, Horace Greeley, John Wesley Powell, Clarence E. Dutton, Mary Austin, D. H. Lawrence, Aldo Leopold, Wallace Stegner, Ann Zwinger, Tony Hillerman, and Peter Wild himself. All share a viewpoint and an experience of the desert, and those thoughts its aridity causes to flower. The shift in attitude is really more of a circle, a coming home to the notion that the desert is perhaps a type of sacred space to be cultivated and respected, rather than a despicable environment to be used and abused. The desert is a great teacher, perhaps, is one conclusion, if we are ready for the lesson, and if we survive it. A number of black and white pen drawing illustrations enrich the text. They are taken from a variety of historical sources acknowledged in the book. As an example of the later writers, Joseph Wood Krutch writes in "God's Hand in the Sky:" ""If what I find in the desert is no example to be imitated, it suggests a metaphor...it is .. the kind of thing I learn from an essay by Emerson or a poem by Emily Dickinson... I shall not forget its lesson: much can be lacking in the midst of plenty; on the other hand, where some things are scarce others, no less desirable, may abound (pages 232-233)." The New Desert Reader brings together diverse writers' thoughts about the desert over time. Like a prism, it yields a rainbow of experiences to be distilled by the reader.
... Read more

Product Description
The great Sonoran Desert in the American Southwest teems with all manner of creatures and plant life. Seemingly asleep during the hot daylight hours (although many animals are astir), the desert awakes with activity after nightfall. This entertaining and educational coloring book abounds with realistically rendered illustrations of wildlife found in this area--from tiny lizards, an antelope jack rabbit and darting road runner, to a desert tortoise chewing on a beavertail cactus and a turkey vulture soaring on updrafts above the desert. Nature lovers will be thrilled with this collection, as will colorists of all ages. Dover Original. 29 plates of black-and-white illustrations and 5 in full color on covers. Introduction. Captions.
... Read more

Product Description
After a brief survey of biotopic and vegetational features and an account of the main groups of desert animals, the most unusual patterns of the behaviour of the xerophilous fauna are examined. The importance of the thermohygric regulation and self-protective and locomotor mechanisms to the survival of arid-adapted animals is emphasized and various adaptations in the alimentary, reproductive and social spheres are analyzed.
The clear and fluent treatment will awaken the interest of the reading public, from the amateur naturalists to research scientists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Beautiful, informative book
This is a beautifully photographed book, as exhaustive as a book of this type can be. While it's impossible to catalog every plant in a geographical locale in a book of this size, the author has done a commendable job. The love of his subject shines through, especially in his love of photographing the natural world, and it's apparent that Dr. Taylor gave much time and attention to detail. The author states his intentions best in the introduction: "I planned and wrote this book for the amateur botanist and anyone who appreciates the desert environment and its varied wildflowers."
The author gives a brief, interesting summary of deserts and why they exist in the introduction, including information on desert variables such as wind, soils, temperature, and precipitation, along with a bit of geological history. The remainder of the book is divided into plant families, with color photographs of each plant therein.
In the back of the book is a "Key to Identifying North American Desert Wildflowers to Family," plant anatomy illustrations for helping the novice to become better informed, a glossary of terms, and an index.
I keep this book, as well as another popular book by Dr. Taylor, "Sagebrush Country" with me when trekking out into the wilds. There is something very satisfying about being able to identify the spectacular specimens one sees in abundance in the natural world. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in being better informed. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of symposium papers covering three main themes: remediation of the polluted soil; enhancement of the visual impact of greenery; and recycling of wastewater for rehabilitation purposes. The first theme is highlighted with presentations on the KISR/PEC Oil-Lake Beds Remediation Project. The second theme is launched with a broad-based discussion on new strategies and alternatives for greening the desert and a summary of the Kuwait National Greenery Plan, which is now being prepared. The third theme features presentations on water resource management in Japan and in KISR's Reverse Osmosis Project to make municipal wastewater recyclable for greenery use in densely populated areas. The closing session culminates in perspectives and recommendations from both Kuwait and Japan and with an historical summary of the long-standing Kuwait/Japan Collaborative Programme. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes how desert plants adapt to their environment with its extreme temperatures, occasional downpour, almost constant drought, unrelenting sun, and shifting sands. ... Read more

Product Description

Sand dune dynamics plays a key role in many arid deserts. This volume provides a synthesis of a specific sand dune ecosystem, the Nizzana site in the Negev Desert. Describing its climate and geophysical/geochemical properties of soils, geological history, flora and fauna, and past/present land-use patterns, it elucidates ecological and geomorphological processes and their interrelations, based on long-term monitoring, in situ experiments and satellite imagery. Particular attention is drawn to the impact of the topsoil biological crust in controlling water availability at local/regional scales. The interdisciplinary approach adopted in this case study offers a good example of a highly complex and dynamic system, which could easily be applied to other sandy ecosystems.

Product Description
The high desert region comprising New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas offers a challenge to gardeners and landscapers. But pleasing and rewarding gardens and lawns can be achieved with a proper understanding of the soil, climate, and special needs of the southern Rockies. This is the first comprehensive guide to trees, lawns, and flower and vegetable gardens keyed to this unique desert environment.

As in her popular column in the Albuquerque Journal, horticulturist Lynn Doxon answers common questions and provides practical and specific advice for both beginning and experienced gardeners. Tips for beginning new yards and maintaining established ones, including information on watering, fertilization, pruning, insect control, and converting older lawns to xeriscapes, are presented in this thorough and detailed guide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very disappointed.
This book isn't at all what I looking for in a landscape design book.It is really more of a textbook without any color pictures, no design layouts, not even any sketches on landscape design.Maybe I misunderstood what the book was supposed to be as I was looking for some design ideas for my high desert yard.This book is far too technical and not artsy enough for my taste.

Helpful
I originally bought this book as a gift for my mother. She then requested additional copies for her friends. This book was helpful for her and her friends in figuring out what could grow in the high altitude areas of New Mexico. ... Read more

Product Description
"Spring on the Sonoran Desert can be a four-month-long spectacle of life and color. Within these well-written pages, Alcock exposes us to the plant and animal life of a land many regard as desolate.To Alcock, the desert has a constant evolutionary beauty he never seems to tire of. Alcock's approach to his subject is an elegant combination of science and literature. Only the desert itself, arrayed in its April apparel, can rival the beauty of this book." —Arizona Highways

"Deserts are not as bereft of life as they seem; their barren landscapes can support a remarkable variety of plant and animal life, though it may require a patient and skilled naturalist to reveal its mysteries.John Alcock is just such a naturalist. . . . Alcock provides delightful insights into how insects provision their developing young, how parasites find their victims and how flowers attract pollinators.A book of this kind allows its author, more accustomed to the rigours and constraints of writing academic papers and books, to relate revealing anecdotes and simply to express their fascinating for natural history. . . . Books such as this serve a vital function in bringing the mysteries of the desert to the attention of a wider public."—Times Literary Supplement ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Evolutionary logic
The common view of deserts as "barren" places empty of life is firmly laid to rest by this excellent collection of essays.Alcock's relation demonstrates the wide variety and diversity of lifeforms found in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona.Plants, insects, birds and other animal life abound if you take the trouble to find them.The author is an expert at observing all this life.Better, he's adept at showing you how to follow in his footsteps to see what he sees.

"Footsteps" is the significant term in this book.Not ATVs, aircraft, nor other vehicular means, but walking quietly is the method to employ in behold ing the desert.Alcock provides examples of his techniques in researching various aspects of life.Surprising wasps in their rituals requires finesse and timing.Seemingly, he moves directly from office to landscape - one of his marking tools being a bottle of Liquid Paper.With this "paint" he can identify individual insects - male wasps and butterflies seeking mates.This technique lapses with rattlesnakes and coyotes, however.

More easily identified subjects are the palo verde trees and giant saguaro cactuses.His palo verde trees are numbered [in his memory], but the saguaros are often elusive.Not because these ancient, giant cacti are mobile, but because his urban neighbours see fit to use them for target practice.Many of his jaunts confront him with spent shells, pock-marked rocks and shattered giant cactus plants.Desert soil pockets, often the home of slumbering spade-foot toads are riven with vehicle tracks.Their passage disturbs the dormant toads who believe the noise presages water-delivering thunderstorms.Awakening, they emerge in the belief the water is signalling the time for courtship and reproduction.The disappointment is greater than simply mating deferred.It may mean the toad has expended its resources.It will dry out and expire.

In describing how the details of desert life is seen today, Alcock muses on the roots of life's processes.Why do the Tarantula Wasp and the Great Purple Hairstreak butterfly [which displays nothing visible that's purple] evolve parallel mating rituals?How can some species successfully deal with the spines of the cholla cactus when a human stuck with the spines must endure a full day's pain?Why do some bees fly in solitude while others are flock in swarms?Alcock examines these and similar questions with sound evolutionary logic.He stresses that simple or apparent solutions often require re-examination.Horned lizards only take a few ants from a nest entrance.Are they "prudent predators" saving prey for later exploitation?Alcock reflects on possibilities to arrive at a solution Darwin would have admired.As do we.[stephen a.haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Conversational devil-may-care style involving, enlightening
John Alcock brings us with him on a tour of the Usery Ridge (north of Mesa, near Phoenix, Arizona) after the winter rains, but before the harsh heat of summer.The book mostly discusses evolutionary behavior of plantsand animals found there.There are a few humorous passages which add anunexpected laugh.Dr. Alcock is concerned with the disappearance of thedesert and its treasures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Vivid beauty!
Large, crisp, vivid photos presented by Arizona Highways.Each wildflower includes information such as: region, elevation, blooming season, relatives and more.As an avid Arizona hiker I get excited when I am able to spotthese beauties on the trail.The format is magazine size.All pages arethick and glossy Arizona Highways quality. - Beautiful! ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Describes deserts, the different kinds of animals that can be found in them, and their ecological importance. ... Read more

Product Description
This activity guide introduces children to the wild and often misunderstood environment of the desert and the people and cultures that thrive in and around them. Information is included on all types of deserts-hot and dry, coastal, semiarid, and polar. Kids learn what defines a desert and the creative ways plants and animals have adapted to survive in harsh desert environments. Also discussed are urban sprawl and its effects on desert habitats and how children can help protect this delicate environment by conserving energy and reducing consumption of petroleum-based products. Engaging activities include drawing a petroglyph, making a coral snake bracelet, frying prickly pears, conducting a gerbil study, and making sand art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for unit study on deserts.
This contains scientific exploration as well as other projects. I was pleasantly surprised to find projects about art and culture as well, making this book useful across the curriculum.
It is divided into chapters that cover the various deserts across the world.
Beginning with an introduction of deserts titled 'Discovering Deserts'.
Then North American deserts in 'Welcome to the Wild West'.
Central and S. American Deserts in 'South of the Border'.
A chapter 'Journey to the Sahara, Namib, Kalahari, and Negev'.
'The Red and Black Deserts of Asia'
Australian deserts in 'Deserts Down Under'.
Arabian deserts in 'Arabian Days and Nights'
and two more chapters titles 'Not All Deserts are Hot'
and 'Saving the Deserts'

There are both long term and quick activities in the book. Some requiring research, and experimentation. Interesting facts and legends throughout.
... Read more

Product Description
At first glance, the desert seems dry, big and empty. But upon a second look, ! During the heat of the day, kangaroo rats sleep in their burrows while lizards sunbathe on rocks. At night, while roadrunners rest, bats wheel through the sky and coyotes howl at the moon. Full-color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good nature book with pictures
I read this book as a bedtime story for my young son.The text flows nicely and the pictures are soothing and natural.He usually asks to read it again when we're finished, sometimes a third time. I think he has beendreaming about being in the desert in the pictures.

Great children's book!
This book has very good illustrations of thetypical American desert animals (gila monster, jackrabbit, etc.)My six-year old has requested it every night for the past week.I tried it out on a cub scout group yesterday, and they were rapt at attention.Their favorite is "find the hidden animal." I recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
An introduction to the natural wonders of the desert and two peoples who live there, the San and the Tuareg. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Disappointing
I got this book as well as "Peoples of the Savanna" to help me prepare a presentation about !Kung Bushmen and Herero to my son's 3rd grade class.I already know a lot about !Kung and Herero, but I don't have much experience teaching 3rd graders.These books aren't the worst of those I looked at, but they really don't have a lot of information about the people.

This 24 page book has 10 chapters, a glossary and an index, describing the Tuareg and the San.About half of the pages are photographs of San or Tuareg.Most of the chapters in the book attempts to summarize the way Tuareg and San respond to desert life ("Peoples of the Desert," "Life on the Move," "Desert Food," "Clothing," "Homes," "Families" and Communities," and "Children of the Desert").There are also chapters describing deserts and animals living there.

This book tries to do too much:describe San, Tuareg and the desert.There's good information here about the desert, but the information about San and Tuareg is too vague.Most of the statements about the San and Tuareg could describe any low-technology people.The book would work better if it focused on how people live in the desert, rather than just these two groups.

A big problem with the 2 books I looked at is that they have described the San in the "Peoples of the Desert" book and the Herero in the "Peoples of the Savanna."This makes no sense since a lot San and Herero live in the same place.The !Kung San, for example, live among Herero in northwestern Botswana.

Most of the children's books I looked at were dull, and they felt like condensed versions of adult books.This book gets stars because it is does try to appeal to young elementary school children. ... Read more

Product Description

The Negev, first published over a decade ago, told the story of some twenty years of study of southern Israel's desert. It synthesized the findings of botanists, geologists, soil scientists, agronomists, archaeologists, historians, and engineers and told how the applications of their work produced an agricultural surplus in this forbiddingly dry, hot region.

Now Michael Evenari has amplified the book with data from another decade of work. He describes the efforts at a new farm at Wadi Mashash, extends the weather data another ten years, presents further work on the adaptations of plants and animals to desert conditions, and takes a much deeper look at the historical precedents for the method of runoff agriculture, which has made the desert bloom.

Customer Reviews (1)

The water masters!
This is the best book on the desert ever written. The authors describe the ecology and more critically, the human history of the Negev. Their experimental work on runoff and floodwater farming should be seen by everyone interested in a sustainable future.The Nabatean farmers (~2000 years ago) farmed hundreds of thousands of hectares in an area with rainfall as low as 3" per year. They were the water masters! and there is much we can learn from them. Fabulous!Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
The Jornada Basin LTER is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, the largest in North America. This region of south central New Mexico has a history of nearly 100 years as the basis for scientific research. This work gives a thorough, encompassing review of the tremendous array of observations resulting from experiments conducted in this ecosystem. Beginning with thorough descriptions of the most salient features of the region, the book then reviews a wide range of archived and active data sets on a diversity of biotic and abiotic features. It next presents a syntheses of important topics including livestock grazing and remediation efforts. A concluding chapter provides a synthesis of the principles that have emerged from this body of work, and how these relate to the broader fields of ecology and natural resource management. It concludes with recommendations for future research directions. The insightful views expressed in this volume should guide management of arid landscapes globally. This is the sixth volume in the Long Term Ecological Network Series. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes adaptations that occur in the desert environment, including general adaptations and examples. ... Read more

Product Description
Desert Dogs adds dimension to sketchy and often misunderstood portrayals of four species of wild dogs that inhabit the deserts of the southwest: the kit fox, the coyote, the gray fox, and the endangered Mexican wolf. Authors and naturalists Jonathan and Roseann Hanson counter myths about wild dogs-particularly their unmerited reputations as natural stock killers-by replacing fictional images with a closer and sometimes more lighthearted look at the sophisticated skills and social systems of the animals: from the structure and purpose of pack formation and howling patterns to the inspiring ability of coyotes, foxes, and wolves to co-exist without depleting each other's resources.Illustrated with 24 full-color photographs, Desert Dogs is an excellent resource for readers unfamiliar with desert life and anyone who seeks a better understanding of the canines that inhabit our neighboring desert, urban alleyways, and suburban backyards. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Sweet, but too short
This book is just fine for someone who wants to crack the surface on these canines, but is lacking for anyone wanting significant information.After all, a book can cover only so much information in a mere 22 pages! The pictures, however, are very nice, and the smaller boxed text (there are five) are interesting.Nonetheless, if you are looking for a wealth of information on Coyotes, Foxes, and Wolves, keep looking - this book has little that could not be found in any decent book on the subject. ... Read more