About the Book
Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water, revised edition, is a meticulous exploration of the intricate and often tumultuous relationship between the American West and its most vital resource—water. Marc Reisner's work provides a profound understanding of how water has shaped, and at times, betrayed those who sought to harness it for growth and prosperity.
The narrative begins with the earliest settlers, drawn to the region by visions of paradise. However, surrounded by political corruption, economic battles, and ecological disasters, their quest for abundance becomes a harrowing tale of mismanagement and the fight for survival in a landscape where water is both a life source and a bane.
Reisner's brilliant storytelling captures the fierce competition between two government behemoths—the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—as they vie to reclaim and transform the arid West into a prosperous land. The book highlights the consequences of their actions and the ongoing water struggles, making it clear that the West's success may indeed be a delusion. It compels us to reflect on how we might take this precious resource for granted.
This revised edition features a new postscript by Lawrie Mott, a former staff scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, which updates readers on significant developments in Western water issues over the past two decades, addressing the long-term impact of climate change and offering insights on how to prepare for an uncertain future. Cadillac Desert remains a definitive work for anyone interested in the environment, politics, and the troubling tale of water in a region that continues to grapple with its heritage.
Why Read Cadillac Desert?
This book is not only a historical account but a vital commentary on the pressing water issues we face today and into the future. It serves as a wake-up call regarding our water resources and is indispensable for understanding the precarious balance of life in the West.
