cover image Sch-Canyons of the Southwest

Sch-Canyons of the Southwest

John Annerino. Random House (NY), $25 (144pp) ISBN 978-0-87156-552-5

Photojournalist Annerino ( High Risk Photography ) explores in words and pictures the canyon lands of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and northern Mexico. These regions include the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River in Colorado, the Canyons of Zion in Utah, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River, the Canon del Diablo of the Baja Peninsula and many others. Annerino gives the geological history of each canyon, describes its geography and wildlife, recounts adventures of explorers who braved its depths and tells of the native peoles who lived harmoniously with these harsh lands for centuries, only to have their traditions and ways of life disrupted by modern tourists and developers. The text is serviceable, but the stunning color photographs--views of lunar-looking landscapes, stupendous chasms, towering rock formations and abandoned cliff dwellings painted gold by the sun--truly capture the beauty and drama of these natural wonders. (Oct.)