Book cover of Tabula Rasa

Book description

A literary legend's engaging review of his career, stressing the work he never completed, and why.

Over seven decades, John McPhee has set a standard for literary nonfiction. Assaying mountain ranges, bark canoes, experimental aircraft, the Swiss Army, geophysical hot spots, ocean shipping, shad fishing, dissident art in the Soviet…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Tabula Rasa as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

John McPhee is probably my favorite contemporary author. By my count, he has written thirty-three books, but this may be his last. At the age of 92 he calls this latest book a “reminiscent montage.” 

A long-time writer for the New Yorker, he has produced countless fine articles, many of which formed the basis for one or another of his books. He has written about the geology of the American West, the way in which Native Americans constructed birch-bark canoes, and the Pine Barrens of New Jersey.

His topics are fascinating. His empathetic ability to question interesting people and…

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Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

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