Date of Birth: January 29, 1927
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: March 14, 1989
Biography
Edward Abbey was an American author and essayist known for his advocacy of environmental issues and criticism of public land policies. Born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Abbey spent much of his life in the American Southwest, which greatly influenced his writing. He attended the University of New Mexico, earning a degree in philosophy and English, and later completed a master’s degree in philosophy. His most famous works include “Desert Solitaire,” a memoir about his time as a park ranger in Arches National Park, and “The Monkey Wrench Gang,” a novel that inspired the environmental movement known as “eco-sabotage.” Abbey’s writing is characterized by its passionate support for wilderness preservation and its sharp critique of industrial development and consumer culture. Abbey’s life was as colorful as his writing. He was known for his rebellious spirit, love of the outdoors, and his often controversial views. Despite facing criticism, he remained a staunch defender of the natural world until his death in 1989.
5 Interesting Facts about Edward Abbey
1. Edward Abbey served as a park ranger and fire lookout in several national parks, which greatly influenced his writing.
2. He was a vocal critic of the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, which he believed mismanaged public lands.
3. Abbey was known for his anarchist views, both in his personal life and his writing.
4. He was married five times and fathered five children.
5. Abbey’s “The Monkey Wrench Gang” inspired the formation of the radical environmental group Earth First!
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edward Abbey
1. “Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell.”
2. “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.”
3. “A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.”
4. “The idea of wilderness needs no defense, it only needs more defenders.”
5. “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Edward Abbey’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1 million at the time of his death.
Children
Edward Abbey had five children: Joshua, Aaron, Susannah, Rebecca, and Ben.
Relevant Links
1. [Edward Abbey on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Abbey
2. [Desert Solitaire on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/394504.Desert_Solitaire
5. [Edward Abbey Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/writer/edward-abbey
