Description

Book Synopsis

The Pulitzer Prize-winning view of the continent, across the fortieth parallel and down through 4.6 billion years

Twenty years ago, when John McPhee began his journeys back and forth across the United States, he planned to describe a cross section of North America at about the fortieth parallel and, in the process, come to an understanding not only of the science but of the style of the geologists he traveled with. The structure of the book never changed, but its breadth caused him to complete it in stages, under the overall title Annals of the Former World.

Like the terrain it covers, Annals of the Former World tells a multilayered tale, and the reader may choose one of many paths through it. As clearly and succinctly written as it is profoundly informed, this is our finest popular survey of geology and a masterpiece of modern nonfiction.

Annals of the Former World is the winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction.

Annals of the Former World

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by John McPhee

    £21.70

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 13 Oct 2026.

    4 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Annals of the Former World by John McPhee

      Book details

      Publisher Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc
      Published 15 June 2000
      ISBN-13 9780374518738
      978-0374518738
      ISBN-10 0374518734
      Also in:
      Earth Sciences, Geography & Environment Historical geology and palaeogeology

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      The Pulitzer Prize-winning view of the continent, across the fortieth parallel and down through 4.6 billion years

      Twenty years ago, when John McPhee began his journeys back and forth across the United States, he planned to describe a cross section of North America at about the fortieth parallel and, in the process, come to an understanding not only of the science but of the style of the geologists he traveled with. The structure of the book never changed, but its breadth caused him to complete it in stages, under the overall title Annals of the Former World.

      Like the terrain it covers, Annals of the Former World tells a multilayered tale, and the reader may choose one of many paths through it. As clearly and succinctly written as it is profoundly informed, this is our finest popular survey of geology and a masterpiece of modern nonfiction.

      Annals of the Former World is the winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account