Customer Reviews

The White Heart of Mojave: An Adventure with the Outdoors of the Desert (American Land Classics)

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The White Heart of Mojave is an old classic of desert literature, recently brought back into print as part of the American Land Classics series. Centered around an adventurous trip through Death Valley by two women in the 1920s, it gives a fascinating glimpse into the region and some of its eccentric inhabitants before it became a National Park and popular tourist destination. The book was written at a time when real American wilderness was beginning to disappear, and the deserts were first coming to be appreciated for their remoteness and solitude and austere beauty, rather than as simply wastelands to be exploited for mineral resources. Edna Brush Perkins, along with a few other desert pioneers like Mary Austen and John Van Dyke, was among the first to contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of the great American deserts. Aside from its historical significance, though, the book is well written and is sure to be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in this harsh but fascinating region.

Had I never been to Death Valley.. then I would want to go now !
It is as if you were there.. she describes it so lifelike.
I know the place and am a desertrat, a desertlover. And when I read it.. I had to cry because it actually transformed me there, it was as if I stood in the midst of all those wonders. Death Valley defies any description.. there just are no words for what you see there. Yet Edna managed to do it, inspite of no language being adequate enough to do it justice.
Incredible book. I wanted to go there next month but can't because the few hotels that are there.. are sold out.. even during the summer.. by European tourists. Makes me angry, I want to go so badly.
Only a true desertlover will understand what I am saying, I know this.
But.. if you get a chance to go there.. maybe just maybe.. you will understand, maybe !

I've spent a good part of my life living and visiting Death Valley. What I liked most was the wonderful descriptions of the colors of the desert. People that just drive through the desert without slowing down and seeing it miss so much. This lady captures the true beauty.