SKU: 98178861564

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

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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
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SKU: 98178861564

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FrancoG
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 4
Stylish price king
Size: 9.5, Color: Grey
Stylish and with the right insoles. Comfortable.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2026
J
J P
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Great quality for such a low price
Size: 9.5, Color: Grey
Let me be clear: this is a five star item because the quality for a pair of shoes that are cheaper than most meals is superb. This is a fantastic value for the price. The design along the seams is a little frill, and while the color is professional and mature, the designs cut into the seams of the shoes along the toe is a little strange. Without the detail it would have looked cleaner. The cushioning and support far surpassed my expectations; these are very comfortable even over long distances walking. They also have proven durable and held up very well since I ordered them. The size is on point; I am usually a 9.5 and I am in these shoes as well. My feet are slightly wide but there was still plenty of room for my foot and toes. The arch support is good. It has a good sole for traction but the treads are ugly. This is the one part of the shoe that looks like what it costs. They print the brand name directly on the sole which is not desirable to me at all; Essentials are decent quality goods at low prices, but I don’t want to advertise that I am wearing something so cheap. With a couple of design tweaks this could have been sold at three times its price.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2026
J
JT
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
A great casual shoe option with a touch of class
Size: 9, Color: Navy
The Amazon Essentials Men's Oxford Brogue Knit Dress Sneaker is the perfect "hybrid" shoe for anyone needing to bridge the gap between office formality and weekend comfort. It provides a sharp, polished look without the stiff, heavy feel of a traditional dress shoe. Why it’s a great choice: Athletic Comfort: Features a molded foam insole that provides cushioned support, making it comfortable enough for all-day wear and long commutes. Breathable Design: The soft knit upper allows for excellent airflow, keeping your feet cool even during busy days. Featherlight Build: These sneakers are built with a lightweight, flexible sole that reduces foot fatigue compared to standard leather oxfords. Versatile Style: The sophisticated brogue pattern and contrast trim pair perfectly with everything from tailored slacks to casual jeans.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
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NN Consulting
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 4
fit and comfort
Size: 8.5, Color: Grey, Size: 8.5, Color: Grey
Perfect fit, i was a little anxious about the size and fit. As you can see in the pictures, they look great and they are very light. I would give them a five-star rating as the comfort is there, only the point is a little hard on the toes, I hope that goes away with usage.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026
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Aysar
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable Oxford style shoes
Size: 10, Color: Black, Size: 10, Color: Black
Comfortable shoes that almost slip on each time. The material is a cotton mesh that is very soft and breathes well. I would not recommend walking in wet grass as the water can get through the mesh and make your feet wet. I normally wear size 10 for sneakers and this was true to size. I have extra room in the toe box. I do think the shoe feels a little narrow, but with the mesh area being stretchy, it does not cause any discomfort. The narrowness of the shoe makes it look more form fitting around my feet. Overall the shoe is comfortable while also giving an impression of high quality foot wear. It looks elegant too. The shoes also seem pretty durable given how much they feel like sneakers. The leather at the tip of the shoe does not scuff easily, which is great! Overall good value too!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2026

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