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BELGIUM

A Worldly Art

Mariet Westermann

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PROVENCE & THE COTE D'AZUR

A Pig in Provence: Good Food and Simple Pleasures in the South of France

Georgeanne Brennan

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OUR FAVORITES

Arctic Dreams

Barry Lopez

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PENGUIN CLASSICS

The Log from the Sea of Cortez

John Steinbeck

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American Southwest

READING AND TRAVEL GUIDE

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Essential Reading

Item EXUSW205. Buy these 5 items as a set for $78 including shipping, 15% off the retail price.
With free shipping on anything else you order.

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Desert Solitaire

Desert Solitaire

by Edward Abbey

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 1990
  • PAPER
  • 303 PAGES
  • FAVORITE

One of the great works on the value of the desert, eloquent and laugh-out-loud funny. Although Abbey writes specifically about his experiences as a ranger at Arches National Park outside Moab, Utah, his message is universal. (DES02, $14.95)

In Search of the Old Ones, Exploring the Anasazi World of the Southwest

In Search of the Old Ones, Exploring the Anasazi World of the Southwest

by David D. Roberts

  • ARCHAEOLOGY
  • 1997
  • PAPER
  • 271 PAGES

An exuberant, engaging account of archaeological adventures in the desert Southwest. Roberts investigates the factors that may have led to the demise of the Anasazi civilization -- and looks into longstanding controversies. (USW157, $15.00)

Canyon Wilderness of the Southwest

Canyon Wilderness of the Southwest

by Jon Ortner

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 2010
  • HARD COVER
  • 240 PAGES

Bryce, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands and Grand Canyon are all featured in this photographic tribute, a miniature version (7 x 5 1/4 inches) of Jon Ortner's stunning oversized original. (USW632, $18.95)

The Southwest Inside Out, An Illustrated Guide to the Land and its History

The Southwest Inside Out, An Illustrated Guide to the Land and its History

by Thomas Wiewandt | Maureen Wilks

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2010
  • FLEXI-BOUND
  • 208 PAGES

An outstanding guide to understanding the geomorphology of the Southwest, featuring the author's color photographs of canyons, dunes and other landforms. (USW345, $24.95)

USA Southwest, Southern Rockies Map

USA Southwest, Southern Rockies Map

by Borch Maps

  • 2007
  • MAP

A map of the American Southwest at a scale of 1:3,000,000 with roads, parks and topography. (SWU21, $9.95)

 

Moab Map Pack


by Trails Illustrated

  • 2008
  • MAP

A set of detailed topographic Moab South and North maps at 1:70,000 & 1:35,000. GPS compatible and printed on waterproof and tear resistant paper. (USW701, $19.95)

Eyewitness Guide Southwest and Las Vegas

Eyewitness Guide Southwest and Las Vegas


by Eyewitness Guides

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2010
  • FLEXI-BOUND
  • 314 PAGES

This thorough, gorgeously illustrated guidebook provides an excellent overview of the Southwest, its history, traditions, cultures and sights. With color photography, dozens of local maps and a synopsis of the region's attractions. (SWU147, $23.00)

Lonely Planet Southwest USA

Lonely Planet Southwest USA


by Lonely Planet

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2012
  • PAPER
  • 492 PAGES

A comprehensive, detailed practical guide to traveling in the American Southwest. (SWU99, $24.99)

Made in the Southwest: A Shopper's Guide to the Region's Best Native American, Hispanic and Western Craft Traditions

Made in the Southwest: A Shopper's Guide to the Region's Best Native American, Hispanic and Western Craft Traditions


by Laura Morelli

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 208 PAGES

A shopper's guide by writer and art historian Laura Morelli to all that is handmade and beautiful in the Southwest's Hispanic, Native American and Western traditions. With a state-by-state guide to artisans and stores and 80 color illustrations. (SWU209, $24.95)

The Southwest Table, Traditional Cuisine from Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona

The Southwest Table, Traditional Cuisine from Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona


by Dave DeWitt

  • FOOD
  • 2011
  • HARD COVER
  • 288 PAGES

Expert on chile peppers and spicy foods, Dave DeWitt (aka "the Pope of Peppers") blends Southwestern culinary history with 130 authentic recipes and cooking techniques in this tantalizing collection of fiery, flavorful dishes from Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. (SWU489, $29.95)

Ancient Peoples of the American Southwest

Ancient Peoples of the American Southwest


by Stephen Plog | Amy Elizabeth Grey

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 2008
  • PAPER
  • 224 PAGES

This illustrated introduction provides an in-depth look at the ancient cultures that first inhabited the pueblos and cliff dwellings of the American Southwest. Organized chronologically, it features hundreds of maps, mostly black-and-white photographs and site diagrams. (USW131, $26.95)

The People, Indians of the American Southwest

The People, Indians of the American Southwest


by Stephen Trimble

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1993
  • PAPER
  • 536 PAGES

An excellent portrait of the peoples of the American southwest based on interviews. (USW236, $34.95)

Ancient Ruins of the Southwest, An Archaeological Guide

Ancient Ruins of the Southwest, An Archaeological Guide


by David Grant Noble

  • ARCHAEOLOGY
  • 2000
  • PAPER
  • 238 PAGES

The third edition of Noble's indispensable guide to the archaeology of the American Southwest. (USW217, $15.95)

Indian Arts of the Southwest

Indian Arts of the Southwest


by Susanne Page

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 2008
  • PAPER
  • 143 PAGES

Featuring color photographs of the basketry, pottery, weaving, jewelry, and carvings of 200 noted artists, this book is both a collector's guide and cultural history of the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Pueblo peoples and other native peoples. (SWU485, $19.95)

The Most Beautiful Villages and Towns of the Southwest

The Most Beautiful Villages and Towns of the Southwest


by Nik Wheeler | Joan Tapper

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 2009
  • HARD COVER
  • 208 PAGES

With hundreds of photographs, essays and travel information on 30 historic towns and distinctive communities throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada Utah and western Colorado, both well-known and remote, including Bisbee, Ouray, Moab and Sedona. (SWU291, $40.00)

Revenge of the Saguaro, Offbeat Travels Through America's Southwest

Revenge of the Saguaro, Offbeat Travels Through America's Southwest


by Tom Miller

  • TRAVEL NARRATIVE
  • 2009
  • PAPER
  • 256 PAGES

It's back! Tom Miller's digressive, witty and willfully eccentric account of travel and obsession in the American Southwest (originally published as Jack Ruby's Kitchen Sink) captures the spirit of his beloved homeland. (USW327, $14.95)

Gathering the Desert


by Gary Paul Nabhan

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 1985
  • PAPER
  • 209 PAGES

An ecologist with a particular interest in the origins of foodstuffs, Nabhan interweaves ethnography, biochemistry, natural history and journalism in this well-written account of desert cultures and botany in the American Southwest. (USW120, $22.95)

Red: Passion and Patience in the Desert

Red: Passion and Patience in the Desert


by Terry Tempest Williams

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 2002
  • PAPER
  • 240 PAGES

A series of lyrical, thoughtful essays on the power and beauty of the Red Rock Wilderness of southern Utah, including Grand Staircase, Canyonlands, Glen Canyon, Moab and the Great Basin. (USW398, $15.00)

Travelers Guide to the Geology of the Colorado Plateau


by Donald L. Baars

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 2002
  • PAPER
  • 296 PAGES

A clearly written survey of the geology of the Four Corners region. (SWU32, $25.00)

A Naturalist's Guide to Canyon Country

A Naturalist's Guide to Canyon Country


by David Williams | Gloria Brown

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2001
  • PAPER
  • 188 PAGES

A compact field guide to the wildlife of the high desert of the Colorado Plateau and the nine national parks of the region. Williams includes an overview of the history, geology and ecology of the high desert along with basic information on identifying common plants and animals. (USW289, $22.95)

National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Southwestern States: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah

National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Southwestern States: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah


by Peter Alden

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 448 PAGES

A compact photographic guide to the wildflowers, trees, mosses, butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals of the American Southwest. (SWU14, $19.95)

National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America

National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America


by Jon Dunn

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2011
  • PAPER
  • 576 PAGES

From Alaska to Baja California, Nova Scotia and Florida, this guide is the veteran's choice for birding anywhere in the United States. Tabbed for easy access, the color range maps in this sixth edition are outstanding. (FG09, $27.95)

Scats and Tracks of the Desert Southwest

Scats and Tracks of the Desert Southwest


by James Halfpenny | Todd Telander

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2000
  • PAPER
  • 144 PAGES

A pocket guide to tracks, scats and signs of the animals of the region. (SWU61, $9.95)

Southwestern Desert Birds


by Raymond Leung | James Kavanaugh

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2001
  • PLASTIC CARD

A fold-out, laminated guide to the birds of the desert Southwest, with illustrations of almost 150 species. Kids will enjoy this identification guide, too. (SWU42, $5.95)

Southwestern Desert Life

Southwestern Desert Life


by Raymond Leung | James Kavanaugh

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2000
  • PLASTIC CARD

A pocket-size, fold-out guide to the life of the desert southwest. (SWU43, $5.95)

The Deserts of the Southwest, A Sierra Club Naturalist's Guide

The Deserts of the Southwest, A Sierra Club Naturalist's Guide


by Peggy Larson

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2000
  • PAPER
  • 282 PAGES

A favorite back in a new edition, Peggy Larson's indispensable guide to the ecology of the desert Southwest (Mojave, Chihuahua, Great Basin and Sonora) is also an excellent reference for travelers to Baja. Small enough to take along and with line drawings throughout. (DES01, $18.95)

More Recommendations

Longitude provides recommended reading for travelers in partnership with the leading tour operators and travel programs for hundreds of destinations worldwide. We've got the classic, new and hard-to-find books and maps to help you get the most out of your adventures.