Annals of the Former World
Annals of the Former World
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Brief
720
Book • Nonfiction
Western United States • Contemporary
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Annals of the Former World by John McPhee is a collection of nonfiction works that presents a geological history of America, based on articles written for magazines and four books McPhee authored between 1981 and 1993: Basin and Range, In Suspect Terrain, Rising From the Plains, and Assembling California. It includes new material in a section titled "Crossing the Craton" and won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction in 1999.
Informative
Contemplative
Adventurous
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
John McPhee's Annals of the Former World is a masterful exploration of geological history, blending informative prose with vivid storytelling. While some readers find its depth intense and dense, many appreciate the rich, insightful narrative and McPhee's ability to make complex topics accessible. Overall, the work is a profound tribute to Earth's geological wonders.
Who Should Read Annals of the Former World?
Readers who relish in richly detailed nonfiction, with a passion for geology and natural history, would enjoy John McPhee's Annals of the Former World. Similar to Simon Winchester’s The Map That Changed the World, this book caters to those who appreciate intricately woven narratives combining scientific discovery with travel writing and personal anecdotes.
720
Book • Nonfiction
Western United States • Contemporary
1998
Adult
18+ years
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