Books By John Mcphee

John McPhee is a prolific American writer, widely regarded for his unique blend of storytelling, descriptive prose, and insightful exploration of various subjects, ranging from geology and environmental issues to sports and personal narratives. With a career spanning over five decades, McPhee has authored numerous books, each offering a distinctive perspective on its subject matter. Here, we delve into some of his notable works, exploring their themes, styles, and the impact they have had on readers and the literary world.

1. “A Sense of Where You Are” (1965)

This early work by McPhee is a profile of Bill Bradley, the famous basketball player, written when Bradley was still a student at Princeton. It showcases McPhee’s ability to craft compelling portraits of individuals and their surroundings, setting the stage for his future writing style.

2. “The Headmaster” (1966)

A biography of Frank Boyden, the longtime headmaster of Deerfield Academy, this book shines a light on education and leadership through the lens of Boyden’s career. It demonstrates McPhee’s interest in exploring the human side of institutions and professions.

3. “Oranges” (1967)

In this slim volume, McPhee dives into the world of oranges, exploring their history, production, and cultural significance. “Oranges” is a quintessential example of McPhee’s genre-bending writing, where he turns a seemingly mundane topic into a fascinating narrative.

4. “The Pine Barrens” (1968)

This book is a deep dive into the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, an area often overlooked but rich in history, ecology, and human stories. McPhee’s exploration of this unique landscape showcases his environmental consciousness and his ability to find compelling stories in unexpected places.

5. “A Roomful of Hovings and Other Profiles” (1969)

A collection of profiles that includes pieces on individuals such as Thomas Hoving, then the director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this book highlights McPhee’s skill in portrait writing, capturing the essence and quirks of his subjects.

6. “Levels of the Game” (1969)

This profile of Arthur Ashe and Clark Graebner, based on their 1968 U.S. Open semifinal match, is not just about tennis but about the societal context in which the sport is played. It’s a nuanced exploration of race, class, and personal character.

7. “The Crofter and the Laird” (1970)

In this memoir, McPhee recounts his experiences on the island of Colonsay, off the coast of Scotland, where his family has roots. It’s a personal and historical exploration that blends family stories, local legends, and the allure of a distant homeland.

8. “Encounters with the Archdruid” (1971)

This narrative follows David Brower, a leading environmentalist, on three journeys, each with a different companion, to explore the American wilderness and the philosophy of environmentalism. It’s a thought-provoking work that delves into the complexities of conservation and human relationship with nature.

9. “The Deltoid Pumpkin Seed” (1973)

Here, McPhee tells the story of a pioneering venture in aircraft design, focusing on the development of a radical new kind of aerostat. This book is an engaging blend of technology, innovation, and the people behind them.

10. “The Curve of Binding Energy” (1974)

McPhee’s exploration of the life and work of Theodore Taylor, a physicist who designed nuclear weapons and later became a vocal critic of nuclear proliferation, offers a compelling look at the moral and scientific dilemmas surrounding nuclear energy and weaponry.

11. “Pieces of the Frame” (1975)

A collection of essays, “Pieces of the Frame” showcases McPhee’s diverse interests, from sports and environment to the intricacies of human relationships and the art of writing itself.

12. “The Survival of the Bark Canoe” (1975)

In this narrative, McPhee joins Henri Vaillancourt, a builder of birch-bark canoes, on a trip through the Maine wilderness, exploring themes of tradition, craftsmanship, and the human connection to nature.

13. “Coming into the Country” (1977)

A deeply personal and detailed account of Alaska, this book encompasses its wilderness, its people, and the clash between traditional ways of life and modernity. It’s a masterpiece of descriptive writing and environmental journalism.

14. “Giving Good Weight” (1979)

This collection includes essays on topics ranging from farming to the New York City market scene, continuing McPhee’s tradition of finding universal themes in specific, detailed explorations of the world around us.

15. “Table of Contents” (1985)

A somewhat autobiographical collection, “Table of Contents” includes essays that reflect on McPhee’s career, writing process, and personal experiences, offering readers a glimpse into the mind and methodology of the author.

16. “Rising from the Plains” (1986)

Part geology textbook, part family history, and part travelogue, this book is a unique exploration of the geology of the American West and the role of geologists in understanding our planet.

17. “The Control of Nature” (1989)

Here, McPhee examines human attempts to control the natural world, from the Icelandic lava flows to the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana. It’s a powerful exploration of the limits of human intervention and the enduring power of nature.

18. “Looking for a Ship” (1990)

In this story, McPhee joins the crew of a merchant marine ship, detailing the complex world of international shipping and the lives of those who work at sea.

19. “Assembling California” (1993)

This geological history of California is a compelling narrative that explains how the state’s unique landscape was formed. It’s a blend of science, history, and storytelling that showcases McPhee’s mastery over explanatory writing.

20. “The Ranson of Russian Hill” (1994)

Though not as widely known as some of his other works, this essay collection continues McPhee’s tradition of insightful storytelling, covering topics from real estate in San Francisco to his own experiences with writing.

21. “Irons in the Fire” (1997)

A collection of essays that spans a wide range of subjects, including McPhee’s experiences as a writer, observations on nature, and profiles of interesting individuals.

22. “Annals of the Former World” (1998)

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this monumental work is a geological and environmental history of North America, explored through a series of road trips along Interstate 80. It’s a landmark book that encapsulates McPhee’s life work and fascination with the natural world.

23. “The Founding Fish” (2002)

In this book, McPhee explores the world of shad fishing, delving into the history, ecology, and human stories surrounding this ancient practice. It’s a work that beautifully interweaves personal narrative, natural history, and conservation issues.

24. “Uncommon Carriers” (2006)

Here, McPhee embarks on a series of journeys with unconventional carriers—coal trains, towboats, and long-haul truckers—offering an insider’s view of the often-overlooked world of transportation and commerce.

25. “Silk Parachute” (2010)

A collection of essays that reflect on various aspects of McPhee’s life, including his childhood, family, and the craft of writing. It’s a deeply personal work that provides readers with a closer look at the author’s background and creative process.

26. “The Patch” (2018)

This essay collection includes pieces on an array of subjects, from the personal—growing up with a squash obsession—to essays on Lake Saimaa in Finland and the High Line in New York City. It’s a testament to McPhee’s enduring curiosity and his ability to find compelling narratives in diverse topics.

Throughout his extensive body of work, John McPhee has established himself as a master of observational writing, capable of turning any subject into a fascinating and deeply human story. His commitment to detailed research, his engaging narrative style, and his profound respect for the complexities of the natural and human worlds have made him one of the most beloved and respected writers of his generation.