The title refers to the dual nature of Misrach's desert cantos, as well as its ability to simultaneously attract and anger his audience. While beautiful and poetic, his photographs of the desert reveal destruction resulting from bomb tests, atomic radiation, and military games. Two introductory essays "A Problem of Beauty" by Tucker, the curator of photography at The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and "Scapeland" by Rebecca Solnit provide background for both the artist and the desert. Also included are a chronology and a photographic timeline. 12x11" Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
