Interview with Robert Glennon, Author of the Book Water Follies
Conducted by Jim Ryan, YBP Library Services
Robert Glennon
How does a book like Water Follies get started, what prompts an author to write?
The University of Arizona has perhaps the best hydrology program in the nation, and the law school faculty is deeply involved in interdisciplinary activities. I began by writing some law review articles about water law, particularly in Arizona, and was interested in the Santa Cruz River. My interest in rivers and waters continued, and soon I was writing lengthy articles on water issues in the western states. Finally, I recognized the issue as a huge national problem and one that no one was talking about it. It has become my passion.
How detailed and time consuming is research for a book like Water Follies?
Very detailed—I developed this book over a period of years. My office currently houses over eight file boxes filled with materials, along with tapes of over 150 interviews.
How do you respond to those who suggest that academicians, particularly law professors, rarely take on controversial issues?
I disagree. I think that lawyers know how to get from point A to point B, and I think members of law faculties actually are involved in many issues. Some tend to write technical law review articles, and others tend to write for broader audiences. As a group, I believe law faculty members are very involved in important issues.
YBP was the first organization to review your book, and the result was positive. Are reviews important to an author?
Well, I think I am a little thin-skinned. This is the first trade press book I have published, and I am passionate about the issue. I was very pleased when YBP reviewed the book and thought so well of it.
You published your book with Island Press, a not-for-profit press located in Washington that focuses on environmental matters. Why?
Island Press is one of the major publishers of books on natural resources and the environment. I am very pleased with Island Press; they have been helpful and supportive, and were wonderful to work with.
Who will be the major players in the coming years in securing our water supply?
While I think the federal government will provide some direction, I think that the major issues regarding water will be debated at the state and regional level. One of the objectives of my book was to help identify the serious nature of groundwater for the benefit of decision-makers and environmental organizations.
Do you plan on writing another book, and if so, will it be about water resources?
No, not at this time. Instead, I am visiting various parts of the country to talk about the impact of groundwater pumping on the environment.
How do your students and fellow faculty members at the college of law react to Water Follies?
I have received many kudos and requests to autograph copies. It has been flattering.
Has your schedule become much busier since you've been promoting the book, and are you traveling a great deal?
Yes. I told Island Press that I would go anywhere or do anything to promote the book, as long as it wasn't tacky. I even told them that holding a sandwich board at a busy intersection was not too tacky! Seriously, I have traveled and will continue to travel the country to support the book, but mostly to alert people to issues regarding groundwater.
Scientific American just reviewed and recommended Water Follies. Do you expect that to broaden the appeal of the book beyond the academic market?
I was very pleased with the review by Scientific American and can only hope that as people encounter the book they will begin thinking about and discussing protecting our water resources.
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