Abstract

Aidan Tynan's work ventures beyond traditional approaches to explore the multifaceted symbolism of deserts and wastelands in Western literature and philosophy. The book explores cross-disciplinary domains such as psychology, psychoanalysis, modern literature, myths and philosophy. It takes readers on an unconventional journey exploring deserts and wastelands. While the book is not strictly an ecocritical work, it shares similarities with ecocriticism that seeks to overcome biases in traditional approaches. Tynan challenges the trends in ecocriticism and the perception of deserts as mere physical landscapes, presenting them as rich metaphors for existential contemplation and enlightenment. He examines the desert's portrayal in Western literary and philosophical traditions, drawing parallels with the works of Nietzsche, Heidegger, and postmodern thinkers like Deleuze and Guattari. He explores how writers from various eras, including T.S. Eliot, D.H. Lawrence, and William S. Burroughs, employ the desert motif to criticise the modern society. Tynan emphasises the transformative power of art in reimagining our planet and confronting existential and environmental crises. Tynan's narrative structure integrates themes of existentialism, ecology, aesthetics and cultural identity, inviting readers to explore the desert's rich symbolism from diverse viewpoints. Ultimately, the book offers a thought-provoking journey into the depths of human experience, challenging readers to reconsider their perceptions of deserts and wastelands.