If you’re planning on exploring the desert, there's a new book hitting the stores called THE ULTIMATE DESERT HANDBOOK, (ISBN # 007139303X ). I've read preliminary chapters and it is one comprehensive book! It covers both U.S. and worldwide deserts with loads of information on hiking, backpacking, dayhiking, desert plants and wildlife, vehicle travel and animal transport, and has chapters on camping and hiking gear, clothing, first aid, navigation, wildlife observation, digital and film photography, desert hazards and illnesses, and survival and rescue. For more information see
www.ultimatedeserthandbook.com