Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water, Revised Edition
4.0
20
5
1
Paperback(Revised)
USD
18
$18.00
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780140178241 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Penguin Publishing Group |
| Publication date: | 06/28/1993 |
| Edition description: | Revised |
| Pages: | 624 |
| Sales rank: | 86,849 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.00(d) |
| Age Range: | 18 Years |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water, Revised Edition
4 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
20 reviews.
 |
A humorous narrative exposing the haphazard development of the American West, Cadillac Desert leaves no river undammed. From the journeys of early explorers to the government policies of yesteryear, Marc Reisner cunningly avoids producing another academic source denouncing water consumption throughout the world. Easy to read and simple to follow, the personalities of various characters throughout the region's history bring the story of deteriorating water resources alive. By describing the ascendancy of the American West despite constant conflict over fading water supplies, Reisner casts doubt upon the sustainability of current water demands. Through a wealth of information and knowledge, Reisner's Cadillac Desert demonstrates the diverse perceptions people hold and have held about water resources in the American West. Overall, Reisner's comical nature and ability to create compelling perspectives lightens the mood of this already depressing topic of dwindling, scarce resources. Both thought provoking and eye opening, Cadillac Desert is a must read for any environmentally cognizant citizen of the twenty first century.
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I bought the book as a required textbook for a class, but I read it cover to cover because it is the best account of the history of water in the west that I have ever read. It is the first book that made me put away my Kindle since I have owned my Kindle!
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This book is beyond outsanding. Richly anotated with references. Filled with historical figures and what they did, and didn't do, with regards to water development. A great segment has Jimmy Carter enjoying life in a canoe going down the rapids of a river. A must reading for those interested in dams, rivers, and salmon.
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I only started reading this to learn about Owens Valley however it was that and so much more. I am shocked at the irresponsibility and greed that drives this nation.
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I recomend this book if you are interested in the water struggle that goes on here in Los Angeles from its beginnings in the last century. Also if you are just interested in the history of the Eastern Sierra area.
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The scope of research involved in "Cadillac Desert" is breathtaking. Highly readable, informative, scary. Shows government doing what government does best: serving itself with little or no regard for people.
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A highly readable factual history about the real California and what has been done with it. In depth and full of real life characters, this book should be assigned reading to all US history students to learn the start of federal corporate subsidy. While not as grand in scope as 'The Prize' or in depth as 'The Reckoning', 'Cadilac Desert' deserves its place among Pulitzer Prize winners.
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'A Country of Illusion', the second chapter that recounts the history of Western American settlement, should be required reading of every high school student in America. This book is humorous, compelling and critical of us all for our past and present greed and thoughtlessness
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A classic work on water problems in the American west. It seems a bit daunting by its size, but the writing moves along smoothly, and it really isn't difficult to read...only to carry on in the small size bags they allow on airplanes.
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I remember being frustrated with what felt like a disorganized, non-chronological set of chapters, with some material repeated. Since it reads more like history/social science, I think it ought to be more structured than loose. This isn't Edward Abbey, though the author seems to try to be as creative with his storytelling as you might find in fiction.
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This well documented, highly readable account of Western water development will give you a belly ache from both disgust and laughter, but you can't be the same after reading it. Should be required reading in high school. Reisner hedges a bit in the new forward to the latest edition.
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