Wallace Stegner brings his remarkable writing skills to the equally remarkable life of John Wesley Powell, and the result is truly magical. We often take our surroundings and the historical wonders that preceded our progress for granted. Progress may be a broad term in many aspects, as we have become softer compared to our ancestors to such an extent that we would be unrecognizable in our daily lives.

Powell and his incredible ambition, vision, and perseverance are described with elegance and expertise. This book serves as a reminder of our pioneers who mapped and explored the great Western lands and their natural wonders. Reading this book allows us to better appreciate the sacrifice, skill, and tenacity of these people, with Powell as their leader.

It is truly a privilege to have access to such literature, which provides an opportunity to better understand and be grateful for the changes brought about by all those who came before us, while also opening the door to self-reflection on ourselves and our times.

I was born and raised in the SF Bay area, specifically in San Mateo, Ca. in 1947.

On my mother's father's side, my ancestors arrived in SF in 1846, hailing from England, with the intention of selling arms to Mexico. Meanwhile, my dad migrated from Arkansas in the late 30's, coming from a very rural area. This connection has deeply rooted me in the West.

I read the book while also listening to its audio edition.

This book is truly remarkable as it is filled with an abundance of history and educational information. It could even serve as an expanded text for an undergrad degree, covering the West from hundreds if not thousands of years ago right up to understanding the current issues that are unique to the West and do not exist east of St. Louis. For instance, the fact that the majority of the property is government owned and controlled.

If one has an interest in this subject matter, they are in for a 5-star treat as it is written by one of the best American authors, Wallace Stegner, who is also known for "Angle of Repose".

Most people are unfamiliar with John Wesley Powell, but they really should be. His work after the Civil War has been sustained by many of our government and private institutions, which are designed to assist our civilization.

The West is geographically and environmentally very different from the eastern half of our great nation, and this book does an excellent job of highlighting those differences.

This is the story of a remarkable man, John Wesley Powell. It is also the story of a captivating place, the western US beyond the hundredth meridian. The narrative encompasses a significant portion of Powell's life, starting from his intrepid exploration of the Colorado River and the first thrilling run through the Grand Canyon, all the way to his later years as a bureaucrat in Washington.

Although Powell passed away in 1902, his life and work continue to have a profound and lasting resonance in the present day. He was a passionate advocate for science and rational land management policies. However, he had to contend with forces of idealism, wishful thinking, and greed. It is truly astonishing to note that many of the issues and arguments that Powell faced in the late 19th century were still prevalent when Wallace Stegner penned this book in the 1950s, and they remain relevant even today.

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone desiring to understand the history of the western US or US land management policy and science. In today's world, it is not only deeply poignant but also exquisitely written. Stegner possesses an amazing talent for vivid description and artful turns of phrase. The only criticism one could offer is that some of the language, although not the sentiment, regarding Native Americans is somewhat outdated. As mentioned, it was written in the 1950s and thus retains some of the characteristics of that era. Nevertheless, overall, it is a timeless book that offers insights that shine brightly through our time and into the future.

A classic. It is one of Stegner's most renowned and widely perused books. Kev's 5-star review here is truly the one worth reading:

"On my top 10 of 10,000. No one can assert having a sufficient understanding of the expansion of the West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries without having delved into this. Stegner is a magnificent writer and you are bound to love this book. John Wesley Powell not only led the historic Explorations of the Grand, Green and Colorado Rivers and their Canyons, explored the uncharted areas of the western US, but also founded the US Geological Survey and Bureau of Ethnology.

Read this if you have an interest in the history of the West, and discover why Powell's excellent ideas about water management and human settlement were overlooked, with tragic consequences. It is a full 5-star book, a rating that I do not bestow frequently or casually. Do not miss out on this one!"

This book offers a captivating insight into a significant period of American history. Stegner's vivid descriptions and engaging narrative make it a must-read for anyone interested in the West. The story of John Wesley Powell and his contributions is both inspiring and thought-provoking. It shows how one person's ideas can have a profound impact on the development of a region.

Overall, this is a remarkable book that will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the West. It is highly recommended for all history enthusiasts.

I listened to this on audiobook (Blackstone audio), which I highly recommend.

Since I grew up on a street named for Powell, I can hardly afford NOT to read this book.

The narrative of the trip down the Colorado was truly dramatic. It was especially so when compared to the descriptions of failed attempts by contemporaries. I was amazed that they traveled all the way down the river with only flour, dried apples, bacon and a few other supplies for food. They were clearly better foragers than people are today. Well, and of course they had guns to shoot animals when there were some around to be shot.

There were some really amusing bits in the beginning and middle regarding someone named "Gilpen" and others like him. They told stories of how the West would become some sort of fertile Eden, that somehow plowing would increase rainfall. (Such stories were obviously NOT supported by Powell.) Wow. I grew up in the desert, so it's hard to believe that someone could tell such a tale and that others would believe it.

The second half, about the geological survey, got a bit bogged down in technical details for a while. But the latter part discussing Powell's plans for the division of land and water rights in the west was truly amazing. He was a visionary in land planning and could see how the success of Western settlement was more likely if arranged around a community rather than independent homesteaders. The last section that discussed the political machinations over Powell's geological survey and land proposals was most compelling. I was surprised, but then not surprised, to see how the business interests of land speculators and others overwhelmed reason and defeated Powell's proposals in Congress. It reads just like today's news of politics ignoring science (e.g. climate change). Here we are more than a hundred years later, still fighting bitter legal battles over water in the West.

I’ve wanted to read this book for a while.

I studied geology for six years in Utah, and I am more than familiar with the geography and geology this book refers to. There is a very special place in my heart for the arid western United States, specifically the part with variable topographic relief.

I give this book a 3.5. The beginning is full of adventure as Powell explores the unexplored Colorado River. However, the book’s thesis is really about the importance of truth and how it should be used for societal progress. The truth that Powell patiently obtains and fervently delivers is the kind revealed through the scientific method. Most of the last third of this book deals with Powell’s unpopular but true ideas about settlements in the west and the battles he ultimately lost to greedy politicians.

It was an interesting read with valuable history. The reason I rate it lower is that many of the chapters through the middle of the book are about as arid as anything beyond the hundredth meridian. They lack the excitement and engagement that the beginning and end of the book offer. Nevertheless, it provides a fascinating look into the history and geology of the western United States, and Powell’s ideas are still relevant today.

Writing this review two weeks later, there are several aspects that remain prominent in my mind from this part-survey part-biography of an early public servant.

John Wesley Powell achieved remarkable feats. He was the first to summit Longs Peak in 1868 and the first to navigate the Colorado River to its source in 1869, including the Grand Canyon and every single rapid in a wooden boat. This journey can accurately be termed the "second opening of the American West," a Desert Southwest sequel to Lewis & Clark, filling in the maps. This forms the first quarter of the book.

Interestingly, Powell had only one arm, yet this did not deter him from his ambitious adventures and explorations.

I have now gained a better understanding of the origins of the USGS, BLM, and other federal bureaus with their rich and often controversial history. Powell, as a lifelong bureaucrat in his post-exploration days, serves as a shining example of what a bureaucrat should be, devoid of any negative connotations associated with the term.

The book also contains accounts of numerous egocentric politicians and early surveyors whose surnames are now recognizable as western place names, such as Gilpin, King, Pike, Pitkin, Mead, and others.

I can sense Powell's despair as he observed the inefficiencies and contentious land exploitation in the American West, knowing there was a win-win way to settle the new arid land, like platting new claims and territories by watershed instead of by grid, but being unable to overcome each impasse in Congress.

This book is a bit of a challenging read, especially by non-nonfiction Stegner standards, but it offers a noble history lesson.

A biography of Powell is not only a story about his life but also a revealing history of the political intrigues and shenanigans that have swirled around the control of the nation's precious resources, and unfortunately, these issues still persist today. The account of the Grand Canyon exploration is indeed captivating, yet it represents only a small fraction of the book. After all, the canyon exploration was just a minor aspect of Powell's extensive involvement in the opening of the West. Stegner portrays Powell as a shrewd master of political lobbying and maneuvering within the bureaucracies that he himself played a significant role in organizing. He was not only a brilliant scientist but also a passionate advocate for science as the ultimate means to understand the land and determine how to utilize it sustainably. Powell had forward-thinking ideas regarding the use of land and water resources. If these ideas had been implemented at the time, they might have potentially averted many of the natural disasters that followed, such as the devastating Depression Dust Bowl.

The recorded book, skillfully read by Mark Bramhall, who also lent his talents to "Big Rock Candy Mountain," offers an exciting adventure yarn with the Colorado River exploration. However, the core of the book, and indeed of Powell's life, lies in his role as an advocate for the rational understanding of the geology, hydrology, and climate of the West. His aim was to base the control of development on this rational understanding, with the future good of the nation in mind, rather than simply catering to the immediate economic interests of politically well-connected corporations and trusts. Powell's battle was unremitting, and Stegner mourns the fact that this battle continues even to this day. It's disheartening to note that the book was written in 1953, and yet the situation has not improved. The Bears Ears Monument atrocity is just the latest in a long line of continuing assaults by the wealthy and influential to despoil public lands for the enrichment of the few.

I will always remember how adeptly Stegner delineated the parameters of the political battles that have shown no signs of abating. I will also recall Powell's unwavering efforts to safeguard the land and how despondent Stegner is about the long-term prospects of the kind of thoughtful planning advocated by Powell. It's a sobering reminder of the importance of our ongoing struggle to protect our natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for all.

If I didn't hold such a high appreciation for Wallace Stegner, I most likely wouldn't have purchased the book, and perhaps I wouldn't have even finished it. Stegner is truly an outstanding writer. When he describes Powell's intellect, he writes, "He learned from every book, acquaintance, experience; facts stuck in his mind, and not like stray flies on fly-paper but like orderly iron filings around magnetic poles."

This kind of vivid and unique writing style makes the description of Powell's expedition down the Colorado River a captivating and quick read. It allows the reader to easily envision the scenes and events.

Moreover, it also makes the account of Powell's career with the U.S. Geological Survey more tolerable, although just barely. Stegner's writing has the power to bring the story to life and engage the reader, even in the more mundane aspects of Powell's life and work.

Overall, his writing is a major factor in making this book an interesting and worthwhile read.

Beyond the Hundredth Meridian truly merits its iconic status.

It is a remarkable work that combines both profound scholarship and beautiful poetry.

The book delves into the life of an extraordinary, talented, and farsighted individual.

It vividly portrays his valiant attempt to rescue the Western United States from the clutches of its most pernicious myths and preconceived notions about itself.

Reading this, one may feel a sense of sadness, realizing that then, just as now, facts and science can often be brushed aside by those with selfish, greedy, and narrow interests.

Nevertheless, one can also find solace and be heartened by the fact that in the end, reality has a way of vindicating those who have the wisdom and the courage to see the truth.

This book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of looking beyond the surface and standing up for what is right and true, even in the face of great opposition.

It is a work that will continue to inspire and educate readers for generations to come.

Not a light read, Beyond the Hundredth Meridian is a thought-provoking work that compelled me to slow down and deeply savor and contemplate many of its parts. I began with the audiobook, but about 2/3 of the way through, I switched to the hardcopy and read it again from the start. I'm glad I did as the hardcopy contains useful maps that aid in understanding John Wesley Powell's explorations of the Colorado and Snake Rivers and Utah.

Even Stegner couldn't have crafted a more complex hero who overcame greater odds than John Wesley Powell. Despite losing his right arm in the Civil War, he led expeditions through the Green and Colorado River canyons, with the latter being previously unexplored. He climbed canyon walls and endured harsh conditions to create the first reliable maps of the area. He further led explorations in Utah to map the last unmapped part of the US. He assembled a team of the best scientists and artists, as well as some semi-qualified personal friends, and received excellent observational and analytical efforts from most of them.

Simultaneously, he mingled in Washington to secure funds for his exploration teams. He became acquainted with Congressional circles and the Smithsonian, where he eventually became the director of the Bureau of Ethnology. His ethnological research cataloged over 100 American Indian tribes, including photographing and recording and preserving their languages. With his teams, he published numerous manuscripts, books, and reports. He also served as the director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Irrigation Survey, with the goal of mapping the entire US topography and hydrology.

Powell is widely known among environmentalists as the first to note, as a result of his explorations, that the West was an arid land unsuitable for traditional agriculture and required different land management strategies and laws. Bucking the popular and incorrect "rain follows the plow" adage of his contemporaries, he proposed revising the Homestead and other Congressional Acts to ensure that small landowners had adequate water to survive, based on data from his surveys. Additionally, he advocated for government control of the building of dams and irrigation projects to benefit the common man, again using his scientific data. Naturally, powerful landowners like railroads opposed Powell's proposals. His Report on the Arid Regions of the United States earned him as many enemies as friends.

Throughout his high-profile life, Powell had to deal with naysayers. Some claimed to have explored the Colorado before him. Others accused him of manipulating Congress to fund the USGS mapmaking project and said that his directorship gave him too much power. Still others criticized him because they stood to make more money if citizens continued to believe the "rain follows the plow" myth. Jealous fellow scientists and Bill Stewart, a Nevada senator, conspired to undermine Powell's USGS and Irrigation Survey plans by defunding both organizations. The idea of ensuring that settlers had adequate water was largely forgotten until the completely avoidable Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Unfortunately, it was too late to reverse the shortsighted actions of one senator, and we continue to grapple with water issues in the West today.

Stegner offers an interesting footnote that most historians overlook. After leaving the USGS, following the replacement of his science-based management system with one based on special interests and myths, Powell turned to philosophy. In particular, he pondered deeply on science and myth, and how some scientific ideas could become myths once they were properly researched. He published the volume Truth and Error, which I may explore at a later time when I'm feeling more intellectually inclined.

US historians, environmentalists, modern-day settlers of the West, runners of the Colorado, and anyone who enjoys engaging and detailed biographies will find this book highly enjoyable.

At a few weeks ago, I was in a rather blah mood. But then, something wonderful happened. I came across a Facebook friend's pictures of his hiking adventures in Colorado. It was like a spark that ignited a memory within me. I remembered that I had this Wallace Stegner book, Beyond the Hundredth Meridian, sitting on my to-read list. So, I decided to take the plunge and embark on a journey into the Colorado River with John Wesley Powell and his crew.

However, this book is not just about Powell's exciting trips into the undiscovered country. It delves much deeper. It discusses all the intense political wrangling that took place in Washington DC to secure funding for these expeditions. Powell, like Muir, was one of the first to have the foresight to realize that natural resources such as water and minerals are not infinite.

Powell had a noble intention. He wanted to protect those individual farmers in the arid west by ensuring that they had access to sufficient water for their crops. Even though Stegner's book was published in 1954, it remains highly relevant today. With record heat scorching the southwestern US, the demand for water has become absolutely critical. Powell looked to the federal government to step in and police private industries that were monopolizing and overutilizing our precious natural resources. Yet, even in the late 1800s, there were those in Congress who supported unrestricted development and overuse.

This is a well-written and thoroughly researched work that would无疑 be enjoyed by those who have an interest in history and the environment. It offers valuable insights into the past and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural resources for future generations.