THE MONKEY WRENCH GANG

By: Edward AbbeyPublished by Lippincott Williams & WilkinsPublished on August 1st 1975

The Idea of protecting the environment is very important to some people – so important they would do it by any means necessary.

If you feel that way you may just want to join the Monkey Wrench Gang.

Or if you want to see inside the mind of the people that do think like that, I suggest you read this book. It will give you a new take on environmentalists and nature itself.

When you begin this novel you will be introduced to four unique main characters

George Hayduke- A Green Beret Vietnam veteran who is disgusted with the destruction of the American Southwest when he returns from Vietnam.

Seldom Seen Smith- A Mormon river guide who takes groups through the rapids throughout Colorado. In the beginning of the novel he stops on the top of a dam and prays for a “pre-cision” earthquake to remove the temporary plug on the Colorado River.

CHARACTERS CONTINUED Dr. Sarvis is a surgeon and a connoisseur of tearing down

billboards on Highways. He uses his wealth to discretely and safely fund the Monkey Wrench Gang.

Bonnie Abzug is a feminist who grew up in the Bronx but still knows how important it is the protect the serene nature in the American Southwest. She works with the Monkey Wrench Gang as Dr. Sarvis’ assistant while being in a complex relationship with Dr. Sarvis.

Within this novel you will find exquisite detail of nature, Edward Abbey paints an almost surreal picture with his novel of how the American Southwest is being destroyed by society and industry combined.

While you read this novel, keep in mind how revolutionary it was at the time. It has sparked more than one activist groups into motion over the last 30 years. Many people consider this novel almost too extreme because it outlines how to be an eco-terrorist.