The Hidden Canyon

More about the book

Many have photographed the Grand Canyon, but this work presents a different, equally spectacular perspective. Readers embark on a journey down the Colorado River, experiencing the canyon through stunning photographs and journal entries from Edward Abbey. While Abbey's adventurous writings provide insight into the rafting experience, they are often overshadowed by the breathtaking visuals. His descriptive language captures the essence of the landscape: "You can walk for only a mile or so till you come to an impassable waterfall—dry now—fifty feet high. Below is a small clear pool, evaporating. The silence here, away from the river and the people, is intense... A silence almost supernatural." Abbey’s narrative, filled with comparisons to Major John Wesley Powell's 19th-century diary and humorous anecdotes, enhances the adventure. Yet, the glossy photographs of the frosted river winding through the rugged canyon, the muddy waters splashing over rafters, and the reflections of the azure sky and golden canyon walls draw the eye. Each photograph is thoroughly explained, providing historical context. With Abbey's text and Blaustein's imagery, every page offers an adventure, immersing readers in the experience, making it a visually stunning work that deserves a place on any bookshelf.