PETRIFIED FOREST: THE STORY BEHIND THE SCENERY (FN)

Carlos Elmer has been a photographer for ARIZONA HIGHWAYS Magazine since 1940. He grew up in Kingman, Arizona, next door to "Grand Canyon Country", and the Canyon has been his favorite subject. 

Published in 1984, the book is a rare publication. The book is a blend of stunning photography and informative text, designed to educate visitors and readers about the petrified forest's history, geology, paleontology and fossils. It goes beyond a simple travel guide by delving into the scientific and cultural forces that shaped the Petrified Forest. Key topics covered include:

• Geological History: It delves into the ancient past of the region, explaining the processes that led to the formation of the petrified wood. This includes discussions about the Late Triassic period, when the area was a humid, subtropical basin with lush forests and diverse animal life. The book explains how volcanic ash and groundwater caused the trees to become fossilized, or "petrified."
• Paleontology and Fossils: As the title suggests, it explores the scientific history of the area. It is a valuable resource for those interested in paleontology and the fossils found within the park, including early dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.
• Natural and Human History: Beyond the geology, the book also covers the broader natural and human history of the Petrified Forest. This includes the presence of the Painted Desert, as well as the history of human habitation in the area, from early Paleo-Indian groups to the Ancestral Puebloans and later explorers.
• Photography and Visuals: Similar to other books in the series, it is heavily illustrated with photographs that showcase the park's unique landscapes, petrified logs, and other geological features.

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. Petrified Forest is a land of quiet grandeur, a place of contrasts and change. It contains some of the largest petrified logs in the world, but you may best remember the exquisite color and pattern of a tiny chip of petrified wood. 

So join us now, on an armchair tour to places, familiar or unknown, in this magical realm we call "The Forest That Was."