The Monkey Wrench Gang is a novel written by American author Edward Abbey (1927–1989), published in 1975.
First edition cover
10th Anniversary edition (1985) from Dream Garden Press, with illustrations by Robert Crumb
Edward Paul Abbey was an American author and essayist noted for his advocacy of environmental issues, criticism of public land policies, and anarchist political views. His best-known works include the novel The Monkey Wrench Gang, which has been cited as an inspiration by radical environmental groups, and the non-fiction work Desert Solitaire.
Abbey spent time as a park ranger at what became Arches National Park near Moab, Utah
The Monkey Wrench Gang was one of Abbey's better-known books (cover of 10th anniversary edition, 1985), and was an inspiration for radical environmental groups, such as Earth First!