GRAND CANYON: THE STORY BEHIND THE SCENERY (FN)

William C. Tweed, a naturalist and writer for the National Park Service. His books are about national parks like Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Death Valley, and The Painted Desert.

Published in 1983, the book is a rare publication. This book is dedicated to all who find Nature not an adversary to conquer and destroy, but a storehouse of infinite knowledge and experience, linking man to all things past and present. They know conserving the natural environment is essential to our future well-being. It goes beyond a simple travel guide by delving into the scientific and cultural forces that shaped the Grand Canyon. Key topics covered include:

• Geology: It explains how the canyon was formed over millions of years, detailing the various rock layers and the processes of uplift and erosion. This is a central theme of the book, as the canyon's geological history is its most striking feature.
• Natural History: It delves into the flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon, discussing the diverse ecosystems that exist at different elevations, from the rim to the river.
• Human History: The book also covers the history of human interaction with the canyon, including the indigenous peoples who have lived there for thousands of years and the later explorers, miners, and conservationists.
• Scenic Photography: Like other books in the series, it is heavily illustrated with beautiful photographs that showcase the canyon's breathtaking views.

It's possible that today the book existing is zero to none. You've been here for a moment of its life. And you may never return to see it; but at home on an evening while reclining in your favorite easy chair, when the spirit of adventure and the desire of wanderlust grips you. The Grand Canyon is an awesome spectacle of nature's grandeur, a classic example of erosion unequaled anywhere on earth. The multi-hued cliffs and slopes of the tremendous chasm descend in a timeless panorama, culminating unbelievably in the dark and somber cleft a mile below, where the Colorado River continues to carve deeper and deeper into the earth's crust.