Abstract

 Sand. Cacti. Lizards. Mirages. Deserts call to mind exotic places, a sense of adventure and freedom, but also thirst and desolation. In Desert, Roslynn D. Haynes takes a fresh look at this geographical feature and cultural entity as it becomes an increasingly threatened environment.   Considering the immense geographical diversity of deserts from the Sahara to Antarctica, Haynes explores the intriguing and often bizarre ways plants and animals adapt to such a hostile environment, as well as the diverse peoples that have inhabited deserts and evolved unique lifestyles and cultures in response to their surroundings. She asks why Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all originated in the deserts of the Middle East and traces the connections between the minimalism of desert existence and the pursuit of a spiritual dimension. Finally, she describes the allure deserts have exerted on the West, the significance of desolate landscapes in literature and film, and the revolution in artists’ responses to the desert as an empty space and as an inspiration for new visual techniques with which to view it. Ending with a look at how commercial and military interests threaten desert ecologies, Desert casts new light on our view of these seemingly barren places.
“By weaving together science and culture, Haynes . . . utilizes her lifelong passion for synthesizing numerous disciplines to skillfully present the compelling topic of deserts. . . . lively and engaging, [deserts are presented] through a thoroughly academic lens without losing accessibility. Desert serves as an interesting introduction to the multilayered influence of these geographical landscapes. A truly enjoyable read. Highly recommended.”  
— Choice
“The word ‘desert’ evokes a place of wearying nothingness, devoid of life, culture, or fertility. But, as shows in this beautifully written and sumptuously illustrated new book, the reality is very different. . . . Haynes surveys the astonishing adaptations made by plants and animals for desert life. Everywhere there is cause for wonder.” 
— Geographical Magazine
“This beautifully illustrated volume reminds us of the natural and cultural riches of those parts of the world with 250mm of annual precipitation or less.”  
— Independent
Roslynn D. Haynes is adjunct associate professor in the School of Arts and Media at the University of New South Wales and a university associate in the School of Humanities at the University of Tasmania, Australia. Her books include Tasmanian Visions: Landscapes in Writing, Art and Photography, and Seeking the Centre: The Australian Desert in Literature, Art and Film.