Edward Abbey's The Monkey Wrench Gang garners acclaim for its bold environmental themes, vivid descriptions, and spirited characters committed to sabotaging development in the American Southwest. Critics, however, note occasional lapses into didacticism and uneven pacing. Overall, the novel's passionate advocacy for nature and relentless energy make it a compelling read.

Readers who relish environmental activism with a dose of humor and adventure will enjoy The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey. They likely appreciate works like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk for their rebellious spirit and strong character voices.

Written by environmental advocate Edward Abbey in 1975, The Monkey Wrench Gang tells the story of a motley crew of environmental activists fighting industrialization in the American Southwest. Doc, Bonnie, Hayduke, and Smith join forces to sabotage construction projects, targeting developers, politicians, and resource extraction companies. Their ultimate goal is the destruction of Glen Canyon Dam, culminating in a series of high-stakes sabotage missions.

Adventurous / Gritty / Suspenseful / Humorous / Challenging

- The Monkey Wrench Gang played a significant role in inspiring real-life environmental activism, leading to the formation of the radical environmental group Earth First! in 1980.
- Doug Peacock, a friend of Edward Abbey and an environmentalist, was one of the inspirations for the character George Washington Hayduke, who is one of the book's protagonists.
- The novel's rebellious and anti-establishment themes resonated with counterculture movements of the 1970s, making it a cult classic among environmentalists and activists.

**A.K. Sarvis, M.D.**  
A 50-year-old surgeon and environmental activist known for burning down billboards, who is described as bald but bearded. He is an Episcopalian anarcho-syndicalist libertarian and is wealthier and more educated than his companions.

**Bonnie Abzug**  
A 28-year-old from the Bronx who works as Dr. Sarvis' office clerk, nurse-aide, and chauffeur, as well as his lover. She is a practical and intelligent member of the group, known for her feminist rhetoric and efforts to keep everyone organized.

**George Washington Hayduke**  
A 25-year-old former Green Beret and Vietnam War veteran, characterized by his wrestler-like build and intense anger. He is dedicated to destructing exploitative projects in the Southwest and is known for his reckless behavior and drinking.

**Seldom Seen Smith**  
A 35-year-old polygamist jack Mormon with a river-running business, who is lean and youthful in appearance. He is highly critical of government and developer actions that threaten his livelihood and has personal grievances with the creation of Lake Powell.

Edward Abbey

Adult

Novel

Monkey Wrench Gang

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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The Monkey Wrench Gang Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 4 

The Monkey Wrench Gang Prologue-Chapter 4  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

The Monkey Wrench Gang Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

The Monkey Wrench Gang Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16 

The Monkey Wrench Gang Chapters 13-16  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-20 

The Monkey Wrench Gang Chapters 17-20  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-24 

The Monkey Wrench Gang Chapters 21-24  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-28 

The Monkey Wrench Gang Chapters 25-28  Summary & Analysis

Chapter 29-Epilogue 

The Monkey Wrench Gang Chapter 29-Epilogue  Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Monkey Wrench Gang Character Analysis

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Themes

The Monkey Wrench Gang Themes

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The Monkey Wrench Gang Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Monkey Wrench Gang Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Monkey Wrench Gang Essay Topics

The Monkey Wrench Gang

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