Customer Reviews

The Black Rock Desert (Desert Places)

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"The Black Rock Desert" is the travelogue to a trip that William L. Fox and Mark Klett took together. As with many of Fox's desert excursions, rock art legend Alvin McLane came along for a branch of the playa journey. Together, the adventurers camp and explore the largest flat area on the continent. Much of the joy of "The Black Rock Desert" comes from William Fox's narrative. In top form, his signature writing style draws on science, philosophy, history and poetry. Here is a book that is as artistically written as it is infused with historical events and scientific insight. Compared to the rest of the Black Rock bibliography, this is the book that best captures the essence of this unique place. Indeed, even though William Fox's "The Void, The Grid & The Sign," contains a similar travelogue to the same place, this book is far more succinct. While all of this is very compelling, "The Black Rock Desert" works on an additional level. An emphasis is placed on the creative process. The author is reflective in how this book is the result of a rich collaboration. Mark Klett visually documented the trip, but his material lacks the drama that one might expect in the work of a photographer such as Ted Levin. Together, Fox and Klett crafted a book that is as cerebral as it is entertaining. Aside from an actual visit to the playa, "The Black Rock Desert" is as close as most will get to experiencing the otherworldly playground.

William L. Fox has become my favorite desert writer. As with "The Black Rock Desert," most of his work creatively brings together science, art, philosophy, history, poetry . . . and fun. Always aware of how seemingly unrelated elements are connected, he can be counted on to take any situation to the next level. As a thinker, Fox gets the big picture and he can express it with originality. Despite being a luminary with a significant body of work, the Desert Fox only seems to be appreciated by a small group of people. So finding this author is a bit like exploring some obscure side canyon and discovering that stunningly beautiful cactus flower. Indeed, William Fox takes us along on a journey worth taking.