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The images on those magazine covers shown in the article bring back memories of life growing up in the Arizona desert long before it became so populated.
As a kid I could hike for miles in the wilderness, among huge saguaro cactus and all the other living things inhabiting the desert. Over the sequence of many seasons the subtle beauty of that environment gradually revealed itself. The desert contained its own unique spirit which Desert was aiming to convey. I'd rate it a success, the photos were accurate, capturing a glimpse of the desert's essence.
Another magazine, maybe more familiar, is Arizona Highways, first published in the 1920's. AH also presented spectacular pictures of the state's assets, which were a treasure, though it had a more "glossy", promotional style to it. My mother worked for AH for many years (as a proofreader), so I suppose I'm predisposed to rate it favorably, though I admit it's possibly not as refined as its rival.
Loving the desert was not easy, an acquired taste for most. The magazines were a beacon for a subset of readers who were drawn to explore the region, and settle there. The incredible sprawl that now engulfs the Southwest deserts has disturbed the environment and diminished its value. We should hope the few who still care will preserve what remains of the desert as it was a century ago.
Another (former) desert rat here. I also remember rambling among the Saguaros and checking my hiking boots for scorpions in the morning as part of living on the outskirts of Phoenix in the 60s.
I well remember Desert and Arizona Highways as magazines that I cadged from a neighbor when he was done with them. Kudos to your Mom, AH was a wonderful publication.
I agree the unique barren beauty of the desert Southwest is quite a lot harder to find nowadays. Unfortunate.
Looking at at a 1957 edition I immediately recognized the Superstition mountains in the background of photo. Having spent a lot of time in the area I wondered if I had seen any of the saguaro in the picture. Also, land was listed for sale in Carefree/Cave Creek at $300 an acre. Dammit grandpa!
This magazine archive was really cool. Enjoyed reading some National Lampoons from the early 70's.
All issues available here: http://mydesertmagazine.com/Desert_magazine_archive.html
Similar, for those so inclined: http://desertoracle.com.
Does anybody know of a large archive of paris review magazines as pdfs around?
I'm kind of surprised they aren't up at archive.org
eCa posted a link to an archive of PDFs below:
No, I mean Paris Review, not Desert Magazine.
Kind of like how AramcoWorld has all their back issues available.
Freeloading is frowned upon here.