This biography of a priest loved by all and known as the Desert Padre, includes excerpts from his columns, "Sage and Tumbleweed" written during the Depression when he was pastor in California's Eastern Sierra. He served also as a chaplain for the Civilian Conservation Corps (the CCC). The columns provide vignettes of happenings in Owens and Death Valleys in an informative, heart-warming and often humorous style. He devoted his life to the spiritual and economic welfare of Owens Valley and is remembered for healing long-standing division and bitterness towards the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. In 1941 his efforts were recognized in the naming of the new reservoir -- Crowley Lake.

When asked by his readers if the columns would ever be put into book form, Father Crowley wrote: "If they please, then reach for the scissors and paste-pot and edit your own book!" Joan Brooks took him at his word and did just that.

THE AUTHOR: Joan Brooks was the former publisher of American Desert magazine and co-author of the Desert Magazine Index. She became interested in the story of Father Crowley on a trip to California's Eastern Sierra. She is a member of various historical societies and museums and lives in southern California.

Dr. Kevin Starr, California State Librarian writes: "In telling the story of Father John J. Crowley, you have made available to a wider audience a remarkable life which is of great significance to the heritage of this state. It is a beautifully written, thoroughly researched book about a highly engaging, spiritually developed and passionately committed Californian. Very few clergy have lakes dedicated in their name. Having perused your book I can see why today Californians have designated Lake Crowley in honor of this significant man. Congratulations on a job well done."

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Roots
2. The Young Pastor
3. Fresno Interlude
4. Back to Lone Pine
5. Show Business
6. Animal Kingdom
7. Shepherd of Souls
8. Death Valley Chronicles
9. Desert Lore
10. Nature's Wonders
11. Desert Driving
12. Story Tellers
13. Inyo Booster
14. Wedding of the Waters
15. The Strong Warrior
16. Legacy

Desert Padre is 401 pages with 8 pages of photos; notes, bibliography and an Index.

Primary Audience: There are many.

1. Spiritual persons of all faiths-he reached out to all.
2. Catholic priests-a model of a zealous parish priest.
3. Past and present residents of California's Eastern Sierra, and Death Valley-many will read about their own relatives and friends, and places they once knew.
4. Visitors and history lovers of Death Valley lore-many a tale told him by old prospectors and many retold to the scriptwriter for the "Death Valley Days" radio program.
5. Nature lovers-of the desert's plants, animals or scenic areas.
6. Movie buffs-movie filming in Lone Pine and Death Valley.
7. Those interested in Depression era history-the CCC and courage and ingenuity in the face of economic hardship.
8. Those interested in the "story behind the story" of the Owens Valley/Los Angeles water wars.
9. Desert rats-you know who you are!
10. Anyone who loves a good story-well written, with human interest and humor at every turn.


CONTACT: Joan Brooks
PUBLISHER: Mesquite Press
P.O. Box 1304
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
ISBN: 0-9656521-4-9
PRICE: $19.95 plus $4.00 S and H; California residents add $1.55 state tax.
PHONE: 1-888-859-6140
E-MAIL: Mesqpress@aol.com

The book can also be obtained by contacting Sunbelt Publications at:
1250 Fayette St.
El Cajon, CA 92020
TOLL FREE: 1-800-626-6579
E-MAIL: Sunbeltpub@prodigy.net

BOOKFLASH BULLETIN
Desert Padre: The Life and Writings of Father John J. Crowley, 1891-1940 -- Joan Brooks.
Contains his "Sage and Tumbleweed" columns on California's Eastern Sierra and Death Valley.
Price: $19.95 plus $4.00 S and H; California residents add $1.55 tax.

TO ORDER:

TOLL FREE: 1-888-859-6140
Mesquite Press
Box 1304
Desert Hot Springs.
CA 92240

For more information, contact:

Joan Brooks
Mesquite Press
1-888-859-6140
Mesqpress@aol.com
http://www.bookzone.com/bookzone/10001695.html