A book program designed to help us learn about the many varied cultures, landscapes, and stories of the American West past and present. Before the program, read the selected book, then join us as we gather together to engage in meaningful conversations and shared experiences.

First 10 households to register receive a free copy of the book!*

Our exhibition, The Cinematic West: The Art That Made the Movies, explores how artists like Charles Russell and Frederic Remington influenced early Western film directors like John Ford. How do landscapes like Remington & Russell’s painted backdrops or Ford’s Monument Valley setting shape our concepts of the American West? And what happens when those environments are impacted by manmade changes? Join us for our next Tall Tales discussion as we explore the desert wonderings and wanderings of Edward Abbey in his now-iconic book, Desert Solitaire.

Desert Solitaire is a collection of vignettes about life in the wilderness and the nature of the desert itself by park ranger and conservationist, Edward Abbey. The book details the unique adventures and conflicts the author faces, from dealing with the damage caused by development of the land or excessive tourism, to discovering a dead body. However, Desert Solitaire is not just a collection of one man’s stories, the book is also a philosophical memoir, full of Abbey’s reflections on the desert as a paradox, at once beautiful and liberating, but also isolating and cruel. Often compared to Thoreau’s Walden, Desert Solitaire is a powerful discussion of life’s mysteries set against the stirring backdrop of the American southwestern wilderness.

Join us for our next Tall Tales book discussion as we read and discuss Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey. Please read the selected book prior to the program.

Registration: Required – opens June 17

Ages: 18+
Contact: Director of Adult Programs at adulteducation@SidRichardsonMuseum.org or 817.332.6554 if you have any questions or would like to be added to the wait list when registration is full.

* Registrants who receive a free copy of the book can elect to pick it up at the front desk during museum hours or have it mailed for a $7 fee. Staff will confirm your option after you register.