Books about the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon
(Underlined titles are links to brief outlines from the book)
Beyond the Hundredth Meridian
Wallace Stegner, 1992
A history of of exploration in western U.S., especially by John Wesely Powell.
The Canyon Revisited: A Rephotography of the Grand Canyon 1923/1991
Donald Baars, University of Utah Press 1994
In 1923 a photographic survey was done through the grand canyon to assess locations for dams. In 1993 many of the same locations were rephotographed to ascertain changes to the canyon over time.
Grand Canyon, a Century of Change: Rephotgraphy of the 1889-1890 Stanton Expedition
Robert H. Webb, University of Arizona Press 1996
Another very interesting rephotography book, covering an even longer period of time.
Colorado River Basin
Michael Collier 1999
The Colorado River Survey, Robert B. Stanton and the Denver, Colorado Canyon and Pacific Railroad
Ed. Dwight B. Smith and Gregory Crampton 1987
Robert Stanton was determined to build a railroad through the Grand Canyon. What most called a hairbrained scheme he was convinced was possible, and he nearly convinces us, too. A fascinating story, and we can only thank our lucky stars that his efforts were in vain.
Grand Canyon Geology
Ed. Stanley Beus, Michael Morales 2003
Not for the faint of heart, but includes a chapter by Ivo Lucchitta.
The Journals of the Historic First Expedition Down the Colorado River
John Cooley 1998
Written by the men who accompanied John Wesley Powell on his first expedition.
Stephen Pyne
A short but elegent book on the history of the Grand Canyon, and how we have felt about it.
The Last Canyon
John Vernon 2001
A historical novel about John Wesley Powell’s trip. As much as is possible today, it gives you a feel for the men and the milieu.
The Man Who Walked Through Time
Colin Fletcher 1968
Fletcher was the first (recorded) man to walk the length of the Grand Canyon.
River: One Man’s Journey Down the Colorado River
Colin Fletcher 1997
At a relatively late age, Colin Fletcher traversed the entire length of the Colorado, starting at the source of the Green River, which many hydrologists consider the true beginning of the Colorado. Still an epic journey.
Standing Up Country, the Canyon lands of Utah & Arizona
C. Gregory Crampton 1964
River Runners of the Grand Canyon
David Lavender 1985
The stories of all the early river runners. A delightful cast of characters.
The Man Who Walked Through Time
Colin Fletcher, 1967
Under the Banner of Heaven
Jon Krakauer, 2003
River to Rim
Nancy Brian 1992
Geology Illustrated
John S. Shelton 1966
Writings of John Wesley Powell:
Canyons of the Colorado 1895
Exploration of the Colorado River
First Through the Grand Canyon 1915
Report of the Explorations in 1873 of Colorado River of the West and Its Tributaries
