Black Rock Desert

Images of America: Black Rock Desert by Christopher Brooks

The Black Rock Desert, located in northwestern Nevada, has been the site of many human activities, from ancient hunters to the arrival of the pioneers to present-day motion pictures, land-speed records, commercial photography, and a weeklong art festival. This book focuses on the art history of the Black Rock Desert playa up until 1990, laying the groundwork for the larger, participatory art events of recent history. Events include art from the Lassen Trail; The Winning of Barbara Worth, starring Gary Cooper, in 1926; and a wild horse roundup as documented by gus Bundy. Also included are recent works of art such as Doobie Lane and a croquet match in which trucks were used as mallets. Historical Images feature the towns of Sulphur and Gerlach, nearby ranches, and the Empire gypsum mine.

Author Christopher Brooks first visited the Black Rock Desert in the Late 1980s, when he was struck by the uniqueness of the environment and the friendliness of Gerlach residents. The images in this book were gathered from the special collections at the University of Nevada, Reno Library and the Nevada Historical Society, as well as from professional photographers and artists. 

The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.

Format: Paperback

Page Count: 127