Cadillac desert

In 'Cadillac Desert', Marc Reisner masterfully narrates the captivating yet unsettling tale of the American West's transformation through colossal water management schemes.

The book exposes the audacious visions, political machinations, and unsustainable illusions that have shaped the region's water resources.

It documents the early settlers' pursuit of promised paradises, the ruthless tactics of Los Angeles politicians and business interests, and the bitter rivalry between the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers.

The narrative includes the construction of the Hoover Dam and the environmental and social costs of humanity's attempt to conquer nature.

The revised edition includes a postscript by Lawrie Mott, updating Western water issues over the last two decades, including the impact of climate change.