SKU: 98178861564

The Backbone of the World: A Portrait of the Vanishing West Along the Continental Divide

Sale price$14.53 Regular price$16.15
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $4.04 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 25 - Jul 30

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

The Backbone of the World: A Portrait of the Vanishing West Along the Continental DivideIn recent years, Los Angeles Times writer and editor Frank Clifford has journeyed along the Continental Divide, the hemispheric watershed that spans North America from the alkali badlands of southernmost New Mexico to the roof of the Rockies in Montana and into Canada. The result is The Backbone of the World, an arresting exploration of America's longest wilderness corridor, a harsh and unforgiving region inhabited by men and women whose way of life

In recent years, Los Angeles Times writer and editor Frank Clifford has journeyed along the Continental Divide, the hemispheric watershed that spans North America from the alkali badlands of southernmost New Mexico to the roof of the Rockies in Montana and into Canada. The result is The Backbone of the World, an arresting exploration of America's longest wilderness corridor, a harsh and unforgiving region inhabited by men and women whose way of life is as imperiled as the neighboring wildlife.

With the brutal beauty and stark cadences of a Cormac McCarthy novel, The Backbone of the World tells the story of the last remnants of the Old West, America's mythic landscape, where past and present are barely discernible from one another and where people's lives are still intrinsically linked to their natural surroundings. Clifford vividly captures the challenges of life along the Divide today through portraits of memorable characters: a ranching family whose isolated New Mexico homestead has become a mecca for illegal immigrants and drug smugglers; a sheep herder struggling to make a living tending his flock in the mountains above Vail, Colorado: an old mule packer who has spent years scouring the mountains of northwest Wyoming for the downed plane of his son; a Yellowstone Park ranger on a lone crusade to protect elk and grizzly bears from illegal hunters; and a group of Blackfeet Indians in northern Montana who are fearful that a wilderness sanctuary will be lost to oil and gas development. In each of their stories, the tide of change is looming as environmental, economic, social, and political forces threaten this uniquely unfettered population.

Clifford's participatory approach offers a haunting and immediate evocation of character and geography and an unsentimental eulogy to the people whose disappearance will sever a link with the defining American pioneer spirit. Set in a world of isolated ranches, trail camps, mountain bivouacs, and forgotten hamlets, The Backbone of the World highlights the frontier values that have both ennobled and degraded us, values that symbolize the last breath of our founding character.

From the Hardcover edition.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Broadway Books
Published: 05/13/2003
ISBN: 9780767907026
Pages: 288
Weight: 0.83lbs
Size: 8.56h x 5.54w x 0.70d

Review Citations: New York Times 08/10/2003 pg. 24
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 98178861564

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.6 ★★★★★
Based on 26 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
K
Verified Purchase
Kris
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
A heavy duty skin softening cream.
Size: 8.4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
This cream works great on my hands and foot calluses. It has a pleasant smell and I am glad I purchased it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Amanda Z
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 4
Deceptive Listing but Good Product
Size: 8.4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
This is not the German version as it have Petrolatum. Based on ingredients it is the Mexican/American version. That being said, it's great and I enjoy how moisturizing it is as a body cream (though it causes acne if I use it on my face) and will purchase again (though not from this listing as it is more expensive than the regular listings for the same item).
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Abett Hernandez
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Nivea
Size: 8.4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
NIVEA is a classic for a reason! This cream is super moisturizing and perfect for dry or rough skin. It feels rich and nourishing without irritating my skin. I love using it at night, and I wake up with my skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s affordable, effective, and a must-have in my skincare routine. I highly recommend it!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
JWR
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Tretinoin Users- THIS is for YOU!
Size: 8.4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
I used this when I was younger on very chapped hands. I'm happy to have rediscovered this product for my face as an adult! For anyone using tretinoin, this is THE moisturizer for YOU!!!!! Not too much of a scent, thick product that absorbs well, and it's the best for the bathroom counter.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Great lotion
Great!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026

recommand products