From the Publisher
An outstanding reading experience.” —Natural History
“Using his fine eye, great ear and good heart" (Newsday), McPhee "tells how this geographic anomaly has come to be, describes its people and their distinctive folklore, and captures something of the dreamlike quality of this incredibly quiet land in the midst of the noisy clutter of mechanical civilization.” —Kansas City Star
“It will be a long time before another book appears to equal the literary quality and human compassion of this one.” —The New York Times Book Review
AudioFile
This look back at a simpler, more rural time both entertains and informs…One of the best feature writers ever, McPhee uncovers the importance of its pine trees and loamy soil. Gardner pairs an inquisitive tone with McPhee’s uncanny abilities as a reporter to survey this territory and its inhabitants.”
JANUARY 2024 - AudioFile
Grover Gardner imbues this exploration of a charming section of rural New Jersey, first published in 1968, with a knowledgeable and authoritative tone. The celebrated and groundbreaking NEW YORKER reporter John McPhee runs into several colorful characters, now long gone, during his visit. This look back at a simpler, more rural time both entertains and informs. Gardner's even and rhythmic delivery explains how seventeenth-century residents first used the name Pine Barrens for the vast area in the state's center. One of the best feature writers ever, McPhee uncovers the importance of its pine trees and loamy soil. Gardner pairs an inquisitive tone with McPhee's uncanny abilities as a reporter to survey this territory and its inhabitants. R.O. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine