Marc Reisner

About the Author

Marc Reisner was a pioneering environmental journalist and author whose work illuminated the intricate and often contentious history of water management in the American West. Born in 1948, he drew from extensive research and on-the-ground reporting to expose the triumphs and follies of massive federal projects that reshaped landscapes and societies. His seminal book, Cadillac Desert, remains a cornerstone of environmental literature, chronicling the epic struggle over scarce resources in an arid region. Reisner's incisive prose blended historical narrative with sharp critique, influencing policy debates and public awareness on sustainability. He passed away in 2018, leaving a legacy of rigorous, accessible nonfiction that continues to resonate in discussions of water scarcity and ecological balance.