However, contrary to many criticisms of the author's purpose, Abbey made his intention in writing Desert Solitaire quite clear in his introduction. He says, "Don't jump in your car next June and run out... to see some of what I've been trying to conjure up... Most of what I write about in this book is already gone or sinking to the bottom. quickly is not a travel guide but an elegy. You have a tombstone in your hands. Abbey accentuates its general idea, its topic, the aim is to praise what was - what came before the changes that attracted tourists - so it can be remembered in its magnificent naturalness.