Volunteers? Contributions? Review copies? Send to the maintainer Roger Caffin
Mark Johnson
Ragged Mountain Press/McGraw Hill, 2003, ISBN 0-07-139303-X
A book about the American deserts is not going to be a lot of use on the East Coast of Australia, but there was a lot there which might be of use if you plan on going inland in Australia. That, and a lot of fascinating insights into the American desert regions, with which the author obviously has more than a passing familiarity. It was interesting to see that the author placed a lot of emphasis on the fragility of some desert regions.
Andy Macqueen
2004, ISBN 0-646-43827-1
About the very earliest white explorers of the Wollemi and Yengo areas. Few bushwalkers go there today, even with good maps; those explorers went there with no maps and hazardous conditions. It is interesting to compare the routes they took with the routes we have taken ourselves in the area. Fascinating stories from historical records, and equally fascinating and provocative thoughts about fires and erosion in the areas. Some wonderful sketch maps of the area are included, including outlines of recent and early wildfires.
Alex Colley & Henry Gold
The Colong Foundation for Wilderness, 2004, ISBN 0-85881 201 0
A rather large book in definitely 'coffee table' format, but with the stunning pictures you expect from Henry Gold. Alex Colley has written a lot of the text, but he has drawn on other authors for some chapters as well. The book outlines the saga of this World Heritage area from the very early days. It is saddening to read about so many short-sighted narrow-minded greedy and petty government and company officials hell-bent on preserving their minor kingdoms and profits in the face of such a magnificent wilderness. The book deserves to be read just as a reminder of how bad things could have been but for the dedication of a few. Eternal Vigilance is the Price for Wilderness.
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© Roger Caffin 1/3/2002