Steve’s DV Books

This page features two Death Valley books by Steve Greene, the tricycle-pedaling publisher of The Death Valley Journal.

1) Death Valley Book Of Knowledge (DVBOK)

2) Exploring Wild Death Valley

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The Death Valley Book Of Knowledge is a comprehensive 720 page reference source suitable for any enthusiast who wishes to acquire a broad-based understanding of the Death Valley territory, including such diverse topics as:

Action – Actors – Adventure – Animals – Athletics – Attractions – Backroads – Businesses – Canyons – Celebrities – Comedy – Concepts – Conflicts – Conmen – Cultures – Drama – Documentary – Extremes – Fantasy – Fauna – Flora – Forests – Geology – Ghost Towns – Highways – Hiking Trails – History – Humor – Lakes – Land Battles – Legends – Lore – Mavericks – Mining Camps – Misfits – Mountain Ranges – Music – Mysteries – Nature – Obscure Facts – Oddities – Park Regulations – People – Philosophy – Photography – Prehistoric Creatures – Prospectors – Railroads – Rivers – Resorts – Romance – Salt Flats – Sand Dunes – Scams – Schemes – Science – Scenery – Sights – Sports – Theory – Thieves – Tribes – Unusual Phenomena – Valleys – Waterfalls – Weather – and Wild Women

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DVBOK available on Amazon. Also as a Kindle version.

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CONTRIBUTORS:

SARAH CRAIGHEAD, Superintendent, Death Valley National Park

JT REYNOLDS, Superintendent, Death Valley National Park (2001-2009)

DAVID BLACKER, Executive Director, Death Valley Natural History Association

MICHEL DIGONNET, Author, Hiking DeathValley & Hiking Western Death Valley National Park

SUSAN SORRELLS, Co-President, Amargosa Conservancy

DAVID A. WRIGHT, Great Basin historian & author, Skidoo!

PHIL KEMBER, Professional Death Valley photographer

BARBARA DURHAM, Timbisha Shoshone tribal historian

PAULINE ESTEVES, Timbisha Shoshone Tribal Elder

GRACE GOAD, Timbisha Shoshone Tribal Elder

ROBIN FLINCHUM, Author, The Death Valley Red Light Chronicles

DAVID KELLY, Staff writer, Los Angeles Times

EMMETT HARDER, Author, These Canyons are Full of Ghosts

DR. BEN JONES, Badwater Ultramarathon participant

MATT JONES, Journalist & Adventurer

ROGER MITCHELL, Author, Death Valley SUV Trails

STEVE GREENE, Author, Exploring Wild Death Valley

WILLIAM MANLY, Author, Death Valley in ’49

JOHN SPEARS, Author, Illustrated Sketches of Death Valley

KELP, Writer, Death’s Valley Open

FEDERAL WRITERS’ PROJECT, Creators, 1939 Overview & Tour

CONTENT:

WISDOM OF THE SAGES

Welcome Traveler – by Steve Greene

Wild Splendor and Solitude – by J.T. Reynolds, DVNP

Interpreting the Mysteries – by David Blacker, DVNHA

Extreme Paradise – by Michel Digonnet, author & hiker

Our Living History – by Susan Sorrells, DV descendant

The Land of Legend – by The Old Trailmaster

OF MOUNTAINS, MYSTERIES, MULES & MEN

Knowledge Odyssey

The Legend from A to Z

Word Prospector

JOURNEYS THROUGH TIME AND PLACE

Ghost Town Memories – by David A. Wright

The Legend through the Lens – by Phil Kember

A Death Valley Geology Primer – by Michel Digonnet

People of the Red Ochre – by Steve Greene & Tribal Members

White Gold Freighters – by Steve Greene

Wild Women – by The Old Trailmaster

Frontier School Teacher – by Robin Flinchum

Death Valley’s Abandoned Mines – by David Kelly

The Hit Men – by Emmett Harder

Death Valley Future Cloudy – by Robin Flinchum

The Tall Trail to Telescope – by Steve Greene

Badwater Ultramarathon – by Dr. Ben Jones

Public Access Battle – by Robin Flinchum

Vacations, High Water & Lost Souls – by Matt Jones

POISON GAS AND WAGON TRAINS

Death’s Valley Open – by Kelp, 1890

Death Valley in ’49 – by William Lewis Manly, 1894

The Story of Death Valley – by John Randolph Spears, 1892

1939 Overview & Tour – by Federal Writers’ Project, 1939

ON TRAILS OF LEGEND & ADVENTURE

Twelve Memorable Excursions – by Roger Mitchell

Backcountry Access Guide – by Steve Greene

Backroad Classification Guide – by Steve Greene

Expedition Checklist – by Steve Greene

Preserving The Wild Places – by The Old Trailmaster

The Man behind the Manuscript

New Vistas – a Poem by The Old Trailmaster

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DVBOK available on Amazon.

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TITLE: Death Valley Book of Knowledge, an Encyclopedia & Anthology from The Land of Legend

AUTHOR: Steve Greene, The Old Trailmaster

PUBLISHER: iUniverse, Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-4401-2670-3

PRICE: $ 38.95 US

SIZE: 6 inches by 9 inches

NUMBER OF PAGES: 720

BINDING: Softcover perfect-bound

COPYRIGHT DATE: March 2009

CATEGORY: Death Valley National Park Encyclopedia, Anthology, and Guidebook

ILLUSTRATED: Cover only

INSIDE MATTER: Welcome Traveler, The Land of Legend, 1,149-entry encyclopedia, 29 supporting chapters, including topics of: ghost towns, photographing Death Valley, geology, 20-mule team, Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, women of the region, pioneer school teacher, abandoned mines, a prospector’s tale, environmental issues, surviving the backroads, running the Badwater Ultramarathon, climbing Telescope Peak, land battles, extensive backroad and trail guide, road rating guide, what to bring along, four vintage chapters from the 1800s and early 1900s, and several additional surprises.

SYNOPSIS: At last! Anyone enthralled by Death Valley National Park now has one succinct and witty source for answers to thousands of insightful and intriguing questions! Discover fresh perspectives and definitive information of significant places, events, people, and institutions from 1.8 billion years ago to the present. The Death Valley Book of Knowledge, a rich and authoritative resource on all things Death Valley, commemorates this Land of Legend in one versatile volume … suitable as a roadtrip field guide, campfire companion, or stranded activity while awaiting rescue by the next passing auto! Here is your personal handbook to learning all about Death Valley National Park, led by veteran territorial explorer, Steve Greene. This encyclopedia and guidebook takes you for an unforgettable and detailed tour through the largest National Park in the contiguous United States, revealing the numerous diverse aspects of this region in an enlightening, entertaining, and educational way. Consider this thorough volume the definitive revelation of the formidable and untamed Death Valley realm, a comprehensive knowledge resource at your fingertips.

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REVIEWS:

“Here is a volume on Death Valley that brings the facts, legends, and lore all together – a book that gives you the feeling a personal friend is sharing the mysteries of a great land with you.”

James N. Gardner

Science Writer, Lecturer, Author of: The Intelligent Universe and Biocosm

“Explorer and author Steve Greene presents a fresh Death Valley classic in this comprehensive anthology of Death Valley National Park. For use as a field guide and reference source while roaming this cosmic expanse of western Americana, Steve’s book artfully paints with vibrant strokes the innate spirit of wild Death Valley.”

Helen K. Thayer

World Adventurer, Motivational Speaker, Author of: Walking the Gobi, Polar Dream, and Three Among the Wolves. “One of the Great Explorers of the 20th Century” – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

“Death Valley is big. On your own, it might take many visits to find the most spectacular places, and even more to discover the hidden nuggets. Unless you want to devote a good fraction of your life to discovering Death Valley, you are going to need help. Steve Greene’s book is just the right volume to get started. It contains an entry on most key features in this vast area, the condition of many popular and secondary backcountry roads, tips on hiking and handling the desert’s own set of challenges, and much more. Readers familiar with the region will also find in it a plethora of information about the area, and treasure it as a valuable reference.”

Michel Digonnet

Author of: Hiking Death Valley & Hiking Western Death Valley National Park

“Steve is the consummate Death Valleyphile. His unbridled enthusiasm for the lowest place in North America has reached new heights. Death Valley Book of Knowledge is the definitive treatise on Death Valley. I have read and learned things in this book that I have never previously seen in print.”

Roger Mitchell

Author of: Death Valley SUV Trails

“I invite you all to visit this mysterious, beautiful and ever-changing land called Death Valley. Death Valley Book of Knowledge is an informative and welcome guide for you as you explore this captivating region. Please join us on our desert adventure.”

Susan Sorrells

President, Shoshone Museum Association; Co-president, Amargosa Conservancy

“This book is a compendium of Death Valley information that captures the obscure and amazing natural history facts, and the feats of the people who have braved this land of extremes.”

David Blacker

Executive Director, Death Valley Natural History Association

“Steve’s book contains a wealth of knowledge and resources for one of the wildest places on earth. The book’s resourceful approach wraps Death Valley into a manageable package for ready assimilation. It will make a great companion for your next trip.”

Chris Marzonie

Editorial Director, Overland Journal magazine

“The grand geological and human performances enacted on the striking stage of Death Valley provide mysteries of enduring intrigue, the crucial elements of which are captured here in this inclusive edition. Engaging!”

Steven Arnett

Death Valley Adventurer

“From a man who grew up exploring the Mojave from Randsburg to Rhyolite with his dad, Mr. Greene’s book provides a thorough look deep into Death Valley’s primal spirit. He knows this unrivaled country very well!”

The Desert Girls

“Not all who wander are lost.” DzrtGrls.com

“Fellow desert rat Steve Greene has conjured up a novel approach for experiencing Death Valley National Park’s mystifying call. He takes hundreds of pieces of the elusive Death Valley puzzle, describes their relationships, and suggests how they have influenced our opinions. This book will fill anyone’s brain with an abundance of knowledge.”

Charles Wade, aka: Panamint Charlie

Nomad of the Grand Panamint Mountains, PanamintCharlie.com and PanamintValley.com

“Failing to prepare for Death Valley is preparing for failure, and in this case, the outcome could be risky. Steve Greene’s complete book will help prepare for exploring all the wonders of wild Death Valley, while providing a well-rounded look at hundreds of interesting topics in the bargain. This is the Swiss army knife of Death Valley books!”

Robert Jennings

National Parks Explorer

“Steve’s love of the wild places and absolute passion for the Death Valley area clearly shine in these pages. He has effectively shown us all sides of this legendary land in one convenient book, offering well balanced viewpoints in the process. The facts and stories in this book take readers on an awe-inspiring thrill ride through the time and space of a long-feared place!”

Annie Doan

Professional Photographer, Death Valley Enthusiast

“My time in these parts predates the author’s stint by eight years, so based on personal experience, I can confidently say that he is highly knowledgeable about the subject matter. Of course, I may be somewhat biased in these proclamations, but age and ancestry do bring certain privileges of self expression that shall not be denied. So let me just say now that this is the ultimate Death Valley reference work – It’s all here.”

Joan Greene, also known as Teakettle Mama

Author’s proud mom, and happy Desert Gypsy

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Amazon Reader Review:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, March 25, 2010 By ETAV8R (Orange County, CA) – See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What’s this?) This review is from: Death Valley Book Of Knowledge: An Encyclopedia & Anthology From The Land Of Legend (Paperback) This book contains a wealth of knowledge and provides a vast amount of information for those who wish to do more research on such an amazing park-Death Valley National Park. When I received the book it seemed overwhelming but once I read through the introductions and table of contents it was not daunting at all. Worth every penny! Edit: I did make my trip to Death Valley and this book is incredible. We used it the whole time. If we came across something we needed more information about it was at our fingers within a moment. Great book for anyone planning to go to DV!

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AUTHOR CREDENTIALS: An avid backcountry enthusiast, Steve has been exploring the Death Valley territory since age four, following the old mining roads, hiking the footpaths, and loving the nature. Now in his sixth decade of life, and more active than ever, Steve continues his yearly visits, with a keen eye on the relationship of the natural world to his existence in it. He has lived in southern California, the Colorado Rocky Mountain high country, and rural Oregon. The source of his continuing peace, happiness, and meaning in life is found in all that wild nature has to offer. The Death Valley territory is one of his life-long favorite haunts.

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This book may be acquired online at Amazon HERE, or, any other online book reseller.

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And, if you are enjoying some of the travel stories on this website, you may also like a personal copy of Exploring Wild Death Valley for your library:

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EWDV available on Amazon. Also as a Kindle version.

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TITLE: Exploring Wild Death Valley, a Primordial World of Discovery and Adventure

AUTHOR: Steve Greene, The Old Trailmaster

PUBLISHER: iUniverse, Inc.

ISBN: 978-0-595-45749-6

PRICE: $21.95 US, plus shipping

SIZE: 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches

NUMBER OF PAGES: 306

BINDING: Softcover perfect-bound

COPYRIGHT DATE: 2007, 2008

CATEGORY: Backcountry Travel, Adventure, Discovery, Nature, History, Philosophy

ILLUSTRATED: 61 black and white photographs

INSIDE MATTER: Preface, Introduction, Foreword, Cautionary Notes, Ten detailed chapters of actual Death Valley excursions, Road Classification Guide, Essential Gear, About the Author, Afterword, Reference, Index, and several original Death Valley poems by the author

SYNOPSIS: Leave behind the concrete and crowds of typical reality to journey where few will ever go. This book will interest the dedicated Death Valley backcountry enthusiast who loves to travel the most primitive backroads, hike secluded trails, and live in the outback for several days at a time. The core of the journal consists of ten chapters detailing hundreds of miles of travel, along with hikes to some of the more popular destinations, including to the top of Telescope Peak. Most of the chapters are written in a chronological day-by-day fashion, telling what it is like to actually take these extended trips into the outback. As each safari progresses, brief history of the particular areas is discussed, the natural world is described, and terrain detail is provided in the event that the reader wishes to attempt the outing personally. More than a typical turn-to-turn mileage guide of the area’s roads, this journal includes a healthy portion of philosophy, the love of nature, and emotional highs that come along with experiencing this type of notably remote territory. Through the reading of this book, one will have a powerful feel for the country that is essentially bounded by Death Valley National Park … it is the next best thing to actually being in the backcountry personally.

REVIEWS:

“Here are the vivid personal accounts of an outback explorer who has traversed the most remote regions of Death Valley National Park that few have ever experienced. Steve Greene has a unique ability to describe these vast open spaces, and his moving reflections of his explorations will open your eyes and your heart to the isolated wild country of the desert. Take this ‘safari of the mind’ and experience for yourself Death Valley’s intoxicating, primordial essence.”

Roslyn Bullas

Publishing Manager, Wilderness Press, Berkeley

“Death Valley National Park and surrounding areas offer a unique wilderness experience for those who travel the earthen byways of this rugged and diverse land. Veteran Death Valley explorer Steve Greene hosts our intrepid adventures in this mysterious world that ever arouses the imagination. If it’s written here, you will find it out there! Steve’s wit and wisdom are as sharp and present as the raw beauty of this famous Southwestern arena.”

Dr. Richard Colley

Los Angeles

“Mr. Greene takes us to a secluded world far removed from modern civilization, to wild places that defy our customary perceptions of this planet. His knowledge of the terrain in the Death Valley region will prove valuable to anyone contemplating a visit. I recommend his expertise to those seeking the navigational details of this national park, and have found him to be exceptionally helpful via online communication.”

Timothy Ellsworth, Ph.D.

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EWDV available on Amazon.

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CHAPTER TITLES:

Part One BASECAMP

A World Lost In Time (a discussion of the area and its reputation) 4 pages

Wild By Nature (an introduction by the author) 6 pages

Navigating The Wild Country (foreword by Tom Harrison) 2 pages

Before We Head Out (a few cautionary notes) 2 pages

Part Two ON SAFARI IN THE WILD PLACES

Six Days In April (how DVNP solved a mid-life crisis) 54 pages

The Greenhorn Expeditions (a remembrance of the 1970s) 11 pages

Rendezvous With A Boulder (what happens when car meets rock) 14 pages

Teakettle Mama And Her Time Machine (mom returns after 50 years) 17 pages

Trail To The Sky (hiking to the peak of Telescope, 11,049 feet) 18 pages

Wild Panamint! (history of the wildest mining town) 7 pages

Whisper On The Night Wind (the wild calls for a long safari in a new BEV) 32 pages

The Roads Not Taken (trekking way off the beaten path) 52 pages

Forever Wild And Free (escaping the bonds of civilization) 27 pages

Greatest Trek Of The Territory (summarizing the roads and trails) 16 pages

Part Three END OF THE DAY

Road Classification Guide (rating the roadbed difficulty) 5 pages

Essential Gear (things to bring along on the trip) 5 pages

Meet The Old Rascal Himself (all about the chap who wrote the journal) 6 pages

Academic Explorations (a few great reference items) 1 page

Of The Wild Places (an index to find a particular spot) 5 pages

Farewell Poetry (Forever Wild and Death Valley) 2 pages

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AUTHOR CREDENTIALS: An avid backcountry enthusiast, Steve has been exploring the Death Valley territory since age four, following the old mining roads, hiking the footpaths, and loving the nature. Now in his sixth decade of life, and more active than ever, Steve continues his yearly visits, with a keen eye on the relationship of the natural world to his existence in it. He has lived in southern California, the Colorado Rocky Mountain high country, and rural Oregon. The source of his continuing peace, happiness, and meaning in life is found in all that wild nature has to offer. The Death Valley territory is one of his life-long favorite haunts.

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Click HERE to acquire this book online at Amazon.

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