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Show 124 UTAH ARCHAEOLOGY 2002 With the foregoing in mind, two GSENM guides are reviewed here: Canyoneering 3 by Steve Allen (1997) and Singing Stone: A Natural History of the Escalante Canyons by Thomas Lowe Fleischner (1999). CANYONEERING 3 In this guide to hiking in the Escalante region, Steve Allen provides detailed information on some of the most remote, pristine, and advanced hiking trails in the area. The book begins with a politically-charged discussion of proposed and realized developments in the region, followed by a chapter on protecting the environment and its resources. These include prehistoric archaeological sites and artifacts, although the equally important issue of historical sites was not discussed. Allen provides the general public with a good summary of the basic protocol for visiting prehistoric archaeological sites, and briefly discusses the penalties for illegal artifact collection and excavation. The bulk of the text regarding the culture history of the Escalante is in two chapters: "Man in the Escalante - The Prehistoric Period" and "Man in the Escalante - The Historic Period." Allen narrates the prehistory of the region from the Paleoindian period through Euroamerican contact. This is followed by a brief discussion of the historical occupation of the Escalante, commencing with the Mormon arrival in the 1860s. These passages are noticeably devoid of in-text citations for references, something that professional archaeologists are accustomed to. Equally frustrating for the professional is the outdated terminology and information presented in the guide. It does, however, provide a good introduction of prehistory to a public that might otherwise find in-text references and complex archaeological theories and data cumbersome. As Bert Fingerhut states in the Forward, one of the purposes of this chapter is to "weave a tapestry that provides the foundation needed for a more full understanding of this complex canyon area." In this respect, Allen has succeeded. Allen's guide features 37 major hikes of various lengths and skill levels in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Area, and GSENM. Arranged by geographical location, each description is accompanied by a detailed map, customized instructions, caveats, and pertinent historical information. The book also provides extensive information about canyoneering, its associated dangers, necessary precautions, and required equipment. Although these discussions are likely intended for the novice or nonlocal hiker, whose unfamiliarity with the hazards of canyoneering could be disastrous, this guide is more appropriate for the advanced canyoneer who is familiar with the Escalante. Some of the 40 photographs throughout the book depicting narrow passages, steep rock climbing segments, and "spooky" gulches, attest to this. Overall, this guide is a good source of information on canyoneering in the Escalante region. Allen's passion for protecting the environment and exploring the land is evident in his writing. Although professional archaeologists might quibble with some of the cultural information, Allen should be commended for reaching out to the general public in a way that is easily understandable. SINGING STONE: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE ESCALANTE CANYONS Singing Stone can be described as part novel, part personal narrative, and part documentary that celebrates the natural beauty and wonders of the region now called the GSENM. Fleischner intermixes personal experiences, both real and spiritual, with narrative interpretations and descriptions of the natural and cultural history of the area. The prehistoric human history of the Escalante region is recounted in a fluid and informative manner, speaking in general interpretive tones rather than raw archaeological data. Although some of the fictional passages may appeal more to post-processualists than mainstream archaeologists, the story-like narrative on the cultural history of the area will likely be appealing to the non-professional and provides a good basic introductory setting. The book segues into chapters on the 125 Euroamerican occupation of the Escalante region, from the earliest Mormon settlers through the present day tourist industry. The impact of humans on the landscape, in terms of land use and increasing government agency management, are fully detailed. As a result, this book is a good source of the history of the GSENM and the changes it has seen over the centuries. It is structured not as a reference book, but as a guide to be read in a leisurely fashion, cover-to-cover. Fleischner does a wonderful job illustrating the delicate balance between nature and culture, particularly when he states, "physical landscape, life-forms and the patterns they form, and human cultures and their foibles. Each affects the other. Nothing is irrelevant." |
