Death Valley and the Amargosa: A Land of Illusion

Rating:
Summary: A nearly complete history and GREAT bibliography!
Review: This book contains an excelent, highly detailed account of the history of Death Valley, CA from the first appearancesof man up to it's designation as a National Monument in 1933 by President Herbert Hoover. It is very well researched as evidenced by the bibliography at the end of the book. Mr. Lingenfelter allows the reader to experience the trials and tribulations of the many soles who entered into "The Valley of Death" to discover, the hard way, the many illusions promoted by the published accounts of those who ventured before them. A must read for anyone wishing to visit the National Park for a drive or hike through a very mysterious and beautiful land.

Rating:
Summary: Perhaps my favorite book of all time. No kidding.
Review: What more could one want in a history book? Clean clear writing, plenty of interesting characters, loads of legends, and a starkly beautiful setting to back it all up. Lingenfelter has done a marvelous job. I've poured over his book twice and could easily read it yet again without feeling bored. This book gives a wonderfully complete history of the Death Valley area. Read it first or take it along if you plan to visit. It will increase your appreciation of Death Valley immensely, and you'll be enthralled by the history as its told here.