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48 pages 1 hour read

Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1986

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Book Brief

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Marc Reisner

Cadillac Desert

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1986
Book Details
Pages

582

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Setting

Western United States • 20th century

Publication Year

1986

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Originally published in 1986, Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water by Marc Reisner illustrates how precarious the American West’s water supply is. The book reveals the environmental and political consequences of extensive water projects, such as dams and aqueducts, which facilitated Western expansion but led to environmental degradation and conflicts over scarce resources.

Informative

Challenging

Melancholic

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.5

12,554 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Marc Reisner’s Cadillac Desert is widely praised for its compelling narrative on water politics in the American West, offering insightful historical context and environmental commentary. However, some critics find it overly detailed and dense. The book remains a seminal, thought-provoking critique on resource management, essential for those interested in environmental studies.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Cadillac Desert?

Readers who enjoy Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner are typically interested in environmental history, water politics, and conservation. They appreciate thorough research and engaging narratives similar to those found in Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and John McPhee's Encounters with the Archdruid. Suitable for students, policy makers, and environmental enthusiasts.

4.5

12,554 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

582

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Setting

Western United States • 20th century

Publication Year

1986

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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