A review by robertrivasplata
The Land of Little Rain by Mary Austin

adventurous informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

4.5

Series of essays from 1902-03 about the natural and human environment of Inyo County, CA (generally). Uses many dated or idiosyncratic names for animals, plants, and places. Condors are referred to as “Buzzards”, and the Clark's nutcracker is the “Clark's Crow”. she's upfront that “Las Uvas” is a pseudo-toponym, and “Jimtown” is not to be found on contemporary maps. Mary Austin's house in Independence CA still stands, but a lot has changed in the past 120 years. The LA Aqueduct wasn't built yet, Manzanar did not exist yet, nomads of various stripes still roamed, the California Condor was still common, and the Alabama Hills had not yet graced a silver screen. Great book for lovers of the High Sierras, the Owens Valley, and the Mojave. Also good for nature lovers, CA native plant heads, and eco-poetry practitioners. (So, my mom and dad.) A good book to take on your road trip down highway 395, with a stop at the Eastern California Museum in Independence CA.