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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Our finest popular survey of US geohistory and masterpiece of modern nonfiction writing
From the Publisher
Awards and more acclaim for ANNALS OF THE FORMER WORLD:
* WINNER of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize in General Non-Fiction
* WINNER of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize in General Non-Fiction
"A work of such scope and seeming inevitability that it feels as predetermined as a mountain range." --David Ulin, Chicago Tribune
"ANNALS OF THE FORMER WORLD is surely a classic. If I didn't know better, I'd say it was timeless." --A.O. Scott, Village Voice --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Anyone who enjoys well written non fiction will enjoy McPhee's latest, regardless of their interest in geology. He has the amazing ability to make any subject interesting, by explaining the science in a plain style while constantly keeping the personalities involved visible. From civil engineering to lighter-than-air flight to the cultivation of oranges, every essay and every book is a joy. If you are a fan of good writing, this one is for you. BUT, if you are a McPhee fan, you might be annoyed by this one. I have over two dozen of Mr. McPhee's books on my shelves at home. Four of them are this book. "Annals of the Former World" is a omnibus edition of "Assembling California", "Rising from the Plains", "In Suspect Terrain", and "Basin and Range". The only new material is a short (36 pages), well written essay "Crossing the Craton" and a poor-to-fair narrative table of contents. That's it, maybe 45 page! s of new material in a a 695 page book. I do feel that somewhere in the publicity for the book mention should have been made of this. If you've never read any of it, get it. If you are buying for a library, get it. If you are considering getting "Annals of the Former World" because you are a fan of the best non fiction writer around today, well, you might want to forget it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
If you have any interest in geology, western history or people you will love this book. I wasn't all that enthused by the descriptions, but once started I couldn't put it down. It is great and deserved the Pulitzer Prize that it won.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
McPhee is a writer I've visited from time to time over the past 20 years. I succumbed to this latest, a rebinding of several earlier books with new information on Archaen geology, because of McPhee's sheer exuberance at the natural world. The writing is pure McPhee, with all the quirks and foibles that he brings to writing. Some of his metaphors are wonderful; others seem too strained. He leaps like a brook, jumping from a comment about rock (naturally) to one about Mormons or birds or triple-long tractor trailors. At times, it's irritating. The biggest criticism is goes to the maps, what there is of them... they're poorly printed, in black and white and (mostly) gray. They're barely legible and far too few. This books calls for an abundance of maps and illustration as McPhee discusses very complicated issues of geology, tectonics and continental movement. Still, the book is enjoyable. All he needs to do, besides republishing it with another 50-or-so maps, is to print it in a format that you can handle while driving across I-80!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The best non-fiction book ever written
I am halfway through reading this for the second time. I feel that this is the most interesting non-fiction book I have ever read. (The Bible is the best book. Read more
Published on 23 Jun 1999
This is an anthology.
McPhee fans should be aware that they most likely alreaady own the books contained in this volume.
Published on 15 May 1999
The Pulitzer Prize was long overdue
John McPhee has re-written the book on non-fiction, turning science and history into one gripping drama after another in writing that brings to mind the finest Sunday newspaper... Read more
Published on 13 April 1999
Thank you
Having read everything that I can find written by Mr. McPhee, can only say, "Thank you".
Published on 13 Feb 1999
Roadcuts will never seem the same again.
John McPhee's books fascinate me. He delves into obscure subjects like they are hot fudge sundaes, scooping out the best experts, and allowing their words to reveal their inner... Read more
Published on 16 Jan 1999
Your drive to work will not be the same again...
Your drive to work will not be the same again, your eyes will be focused on that road cut. You know the one you have driven by countless times before without a glance. Read more
Published on 8 Jan 1999
The first geological "road book"
Wow. I always liked rocks. Now I know much more. Unfortunately, driving on the interstate has become more problematic: I find my gaze directed at road cuts, the layers of rock... Read more
Published on 29 Nov 1998
Bravo! A refreshing look at geology...
Having previously labored through countless textbook style readings concerning geology, experiencing McPhee's rendering of this subject was truly a breath of fresh air. Read more
Published on 24 Nov 1998
Outstanding writing makes an esoteric subject come alive
McPhee's masteful writing make the difficult subjects of geology and geological time seem like old friends. Read more
Published on 26 Aug 1998
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