Edward Abbey, a man of contrasts, kept his personal life largely hidden while openly sharing his intellectual journey. Known for his deep affinity with the American West, Abbey's life story is filled with adventure and introspection. Born in Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains, he ventured across the U.S. before he was swept up by the draft for World War II, solidifying his lifelong bond with the vast landscapes he encountered.

Early Adventures

In the summer of 1944, as the draft for World War II threatened to disrupt the lives of young Americans about to turn eighteen, a seventeen-year-old Edward Abbey embarked on a cross-country hitchhiking trip. He journeyed from Pennsylvania to Seattle, passing through Chicago and the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park. From Seattle, he headed south through California to Bakersfield, returning home via Barstow, Flagstaff, and Albuquerque.

This journey marked a significant transition for Abbey, encapsulated in his essay “Hallelujah on the Bum” (1977), which radiates the exuberance of youthful exploration. His first encounter with the Rocky Mountains left a profound imprint on him, striking a "fundamental chord" that continued to resonate throughout his life and writings.

From Soldier to Scholar

After finishing high school, Abbey's life took a pivotal turn when he was drafted into the Army. Post-discharge, his yearning for the West's open spaces intensified. During this period, Abbey began writing, publishing his debut novel, Jonathan Troy, in 1954. The novel's protagonist, much like Abbey, is torn between the restricting confines of the East and the liberating expanse of the West.

Abbey's own break from his Eastern roots saw him move to New Mexico to attend the state university, where he completed his B.A. in 1951. He earned a Fulbright Scholarship to study philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, though his subsequent attempt at graduate studies at Yale University did not succeed. Abbey returned to New Mexico to pursue his M.A., cementing his commitment to life in the West.

Writing and Recognition

In 1956, Abbey published his master's thesis "Anarchism and the Morality of Violence" alongside his second novel, The Brave Cowboy: An Old Tale in a New Time. Both works explore the theme of violence and its moral implications. The Brave Cowboy gained critical acclaim, and its adaptation into the film Lonely Are the Brave in 1962 brought Abbey wider recognition, even though his financial gain from the rights was limited.

Despite monetary struggles, Abbey continued to write prolifically while working as a National Parks ranger and fire lookout. His literary breakthrough came with Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness in 1968, a collection of personal reflections that resonated with environmentalists and lovers of the Western landscape.

Environmental Advocacy

Abbey's later works became increasingly urgent as he witnessed the degradation of natural landscapes due to strip mining and industrial development. His 1962 novel Fire on the Mountain and the 1975 novel The Monkey Wrench Gang reflect his growing desperation as they depict characters resisting the encroachment of industrialization. The latter novel's sequel, Hayduke Lives!, published posthumously in 1990, continues the narrative of defending the earth against exploitation.

Abbey's work, including the dystopian Good News (1980), portrays a bleak future where the government embodies a greed-driven totalitarian regime. This increasing despair mirrored Abbey's own views on humanity's trajectory, as he maintained a cynical outlook on the "featherless biped" bent on destroying both the West and the planet.

Reflections on Life and Legacy

Despite his grim predictions, Abbey persisted in urging readers to act, maintaining hope amidst despair. His 1988 novel The Fool’s Progress follows Henry Lightcap, a man confronting his life’s choices while racing...