This is arguably their most famous (and infamous) domain. Titles like The Complete Book of Locks & Locksmithing are actually respectable. However, How to Open Locks with Improvised Tools and The Bypass Methods tread a fine line between educational and legally dubious. For the security researcher or hobbyist, these are gold mines of mechanical wisdom. For a layperson, they feel like a heist movie script.

Desert Publications occupies a controversial space in the literary world.

This article explores the history, key genres, and lasting legacy of Desert Publications books. The Legacy of Desert Publications (Cornville, AZ)

Travel & adventure

Tailored to their Arizona roots, these books covered water procurement, heat mitigation, and navigating arid landscapes.

Desert Publications Books has established itself as a leading publisher of books that celebrate the desert landscape. With a diverse range of publications that cater to various interests, the company has made a significant contribution to the literary world. By promoting cross-cultural understanding, inspiring new generations of writers, and contributing to environmental awareness, Desert Publications continues to be a vital voice in the publishing industry. Whether you're a seasoned desert dweller or simply a lover of the arid landscape, Desert Publications Books has something to offer, inviting readers to explore the beauty, complexity, and magic of the desert.

Manuals focusing on advanced shooting techniques, windage calculation, and camouflage.

In the age of digital archives, are experiencing a renaissance. Internet Archive and specialized erotica history sites have begun scanning these volumes. Why? Because they represent a raw, pre-digital form of expression.

For decades, survivalists, military historians, firearms enthusiasts, and self-reliance advocates have shared a common, coveted source for specialized knowledge: .

Note: Not to be confused with William Powell’s later The Anarchist Cookbook (Lyle Stuart, 1971). This is the Desert Publications "knock-off." This 48-page booklet contained simpler, cruder recipes than the famous version. It is incredibly rare because a federal raid on a Desert Publications distributor in 1985 led to most copies being seized. A mint copy recently sold on a private rare book forum for $850.

Less known is their metaphysical line. In the 1980s, as the New Age movement boomed, Desert Publications released books on astral projection, tarot, and folk magic of the Southwest. These are often confused with legitimate occult publishers (like Llewellyn), but the Desert versions are typically thinner and more sensationalized.