Annals of the Former World

John McPhee

John McPhee returns to the geological landscapes of North America, this time accompanied by Anita G. Harris, a geologist who offers a different perspective on the prevailing plate-tectonic theories. As they traverse diverse terrains, from the outwash plains of Brooklyn to the ancient formations of Indiana, Harris meticulously examines ice, rocks, and fossils, uncovering buried histories and challenging established scientific narratives. McPhee masterfully captures the intellectual curiosity and passionate debates that drive scientific discovery, illuminating the complex and often surprising ways we understand the earth beneath our feet.

John McPhee

John McPhee masterfully weaves together the geological history of Wyoming with the personal narrative of geologist David Love. This journey through the high country reveals mountains made and unmade, tracing the dramatic forces that shaped the land over eons. The book explores themes of discovery, the vastness of geological time, and the profound connection between people and the earth they inhabit. McPhee's signature blend of scientific inquiry and compelling storytelling brings the rugged landscape and its human history to vivid life.

John McPhee

Embark on a remarkable geological expedition across California, tracing the Golden State's dramatic formation over eons. Through the keen observations of John McPhee and his geologist friend, William Moores, this narrative unfolds the epic story of drifting tectonic plates and the slow, powerful forces that assembled the very land beneath our feet. Journeying from the deserts of Arizona to the bustling streets of San Francisco, the book interweaves the profound history of the Earth's crust with the intimate details of human lives and landscapes. It's a captivating exploration of how continents are built, revealing the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our planet.