However, contrary to many criticisms of the author's purpose, Abbey made his intention in writing Desert Solitaire clear in his introduction. He says: "Don't jump in your car next June and rush...to see some of what I've tried to talk about...Most of what I write in this book has already disappeared or is rapidly disappearing. is not a travel guide but an elegy. You are holding a tombstone in your hands. Abbey emphasizes its overall idea, its subject, its aim is to praise what was - what preceded the changes that attract tourists - so that it can be remembered in its beautiful natural.