Literary Libations - Monkey Wrench Gang

This year, we mark 50 years of Edward Abbey’s The Monkey Wrench Gang—a countercultural classic that helped ignite the radical environmental movement. First published in 1975, the novel introduced the world to Bonnie, Doc, Seldom Seen Smith, and Hayduke—and dared readers to imagine sabotage as sacred duty. There’s no one better suited to lead this conversation than legendary bookseller and rare book expert Ken Sanders—a close friend of Abbey, a fierce defender of the desert, and a long-time voice in the literary and ecological worlds of the American West. Through wine, words, and wide-open questions, we’ll explore Abbey’s complicated legacy and enduring impact. Expect sharp insights, spirited debate, and a space to reflect on radical environmentalism in an era of climate emergency.