Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Eric Temple Productions
• VHS Release Date: October 26, 1993
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303046940
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #181,671 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very fine documentary about an exceptional man, March 3, 2009

By 

Nathan Andersen "film lover, philosophy profe... (Florida) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Edward Abbey: A Voice in the Wilderness [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a very nice little documentary about the man behind the myth. While it does aim to present Edward Abbey as an exceptional individual, I wouldn't go so far as to suggest (as another reviewer does) that it is merely a puff piece, polishing the halo of "St. Abbey." It's very frank about his contradictions and weaknesses and infidelities, and presents a picture of Ed (I call him Ed because I feel like I know him after reading so many of his books and especially after this documentary) from a number of perspectives. Certainly there is no one here who simply hates him or hates what he stands for, but I'm not sure what that would add to a posthumous documentary biography. Of course his views are controversial and the documentary doesn't try to water them down! Among the more interesting things that come out of this doc is the fact that Ed was baffled by the success of Desert Solitaire, and really wanted to be known as a novelist. It's also just worth getting to hear Ed's voice -- it's not at all the voice I would have expected from reading his books but now it seems quite appropriate: a soft spoken, amused and ironic tone.

One thing worth noting is that this film is available on DVD but not through Amazon. You have to get it direct from the distributor (and pay with PayPal), at Canyon Productions (just type it into google for the website, since I can't put websites here). I've had my VHS copy for years and worn it out showing it to students as we read Desert Solitaire -- and I just ordered the dvd. Highly recommended for environmentalists and lovers of Abbey's work; also recommended for those who know nothing about him and just might get intrigued enough by the documentary to pick up one of his books.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent video about the legend., April 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Edward Abbey: A Voice in the Wilderness [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video is an excellent comprehensive overview of Edward Abbey's life. A definite must-see if you are interested in Abbey.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent portrait of Abbey!, February 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Edward Abbey: A Voice in the Wilderness [VHS] (VHS Tape)

If you've ever wanted to know what Abbey is really like, check out this video. His sense of humor comes through loud and clear through the interviews and stories.