Anoun that completes an action is called a/an

When first i engaged in this work, i resolved to leave neither words nor things unexamined, and myself with a prospect of the hours which i should revel away in feasts of literature . . –preface to a dictionary of the english language, samuel johnson what is the connotation of the word revel in this passage?

Which is it? the desert is than the mountains? 1. drier 2. more dry

What does wiesel use here to develop his claims?