The Hidden Canyon: A River Journey (Paperback)

by John Blaustein (Author), Edward Abbey (Author), Martin Litton (Introduction) "Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, we assemble at Lee's Ferry, Arizona, on the banks of the brand-new cold green Colorado River..." (more)
Key Phrases: unknown river, Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, Mile Rapid (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Reviews from: SPORTS AFIELD MAGAZINE

PADDLER

Although millions of people visit Arizona's Grand Canyon each year, few experience the fear and thrill of rafting a dory for the 277 miles of the Colorado river that both meanders and roars beneath. Blaustein documents such a journey with his stunning photographs of rocks, whitewater and wildlife; an 18-day journal from Edward Abbey; and an introduction from Martin Litton.

This book grabbed the attention of everyone who saw it on my coffee table during the review process. If you have paddled the Grand Canyon you will probably want this book for your own coffee table, because John Blaustein is one of the most celebrated photographers to ever travel the length of the Grand. And de did so with the likes of Martin Litton and Edward Abbey in wooden dories. Blaustein tells the story of the Colorado River from the depths of the Grand Canyon with more than 100 images, their stunning quality justifying the reprinting of this book from its original form in 1977. This time it's even better, including 12 new photographs, an introduction by river and environmental pioneer Martin Litton, and A Journal by literary and environmental pioneer Edward Abbey. This book will take you back to the days when only a handful of brave people rowed the Grand, and it will keep the memories fresh with the only collection of published photographs that documents the Canyon from river level.

Although millions of people visit Arizona's Grand Canyon each year, few experience the fear and thrill of rafting a dory for the 277 miles of the Colorado river that both meanders and roars beneath. Blausten documents such a journey with his stunning photographs of rocks, whitewater and wildlife; an 18-day journal from Edward Abbey; and an introduction from Martin Litton. -- Sports Afield Magazine

Whether or not you are an Edward Abbey fan or not, as a paddler you most likely appreciate great river photos. This book has plenty of Abbey and photos, and it grabbed the attention of everyone who saw it on my coffee table during the review process. If you have paddled the Grand Canyon you will probably wan this book for your own coffee table, because John Blaustein is one of the most celebrated photographers to ever travel the length of the Grand. And de did so with the likes of Martin Litton and Edward Abbey-in wooden dories. Blaustein tells the story of the Colorado River from the depths of the Grand Canyon with more than 100 image, their stunning quality justifying the reprinting of this book from its original form in 1977. This time it's even better, including 12 new photographs, an introduction by river and environmental pioneer Martin Litton, and a Journal by literary and environmental pioneer Edward Abbey. This book will take you back to the days when only a handful of brave people rowed the Grand, and it will keep the memories fresh with the only collection of published photographs that documents the Canyon from river level. -- Paddler

Review
The dory plunges into the watery hole, then up the slope of the standing wave. Water topples upon us, filling the boat in an instant. The force of the river carries us through the first wave and into a second, deeper hole....The dory drops into the deepest hole yet. I think I can almost see bedrock bottom. The third wave towers above us. Far above. The Great Wave. Heavily our waterloaded boat, askew, climbs up its face. Never makes it. As the wave hits us from the portside our dory turns over with the grave, solemn, inevitable certainty of disaster. No one says a word as we go under. from Edward Abbey's journal



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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811822613
• ISBN-13: 978-0811822619
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #306,339 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #25 in	Books > Travel > United States > States > Arizona > Grand Canyon
  #45 in	Books > History > United States > State & Local > Arizona
  #50 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Criticism & Essays

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking, July 12, 1999

By A Customer

I have traveled through the Grand Canyon many times, both on the river and on the trails. John Blaustein has not only been able to capture the beauty of the canyon but also the soul of the river it contains. Abbey's journal is a fine compliment to the pulchritude of the pictures.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AWE INSPIRING!!, July 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hidden Canyon: A River Journey (Hardcover)

Having rafted the Colorado myself 2 years ago, this was a perfect souvenir-reminder of my trip. The photos in particular are exquisite - some I have no idea how he managed to capture without ending up in the river himself. I lost my Pentax to the very first rapid! This book definitely gives a sense of what the Canyon, the river, and the rapids are like. Makes me want to go back!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, April 22, 1999

By	[e-mail] (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

Any fan of unique photography and wonderful words should buy this reissue. Mr. Blaustein is a gifted photographer and abbey is equally adept in capturing the magic of this river trip. The book is a reminder of what could be lost, if we fail to preserve the glorious heritage of our national parks.