McPhee, John A

American essayist John McPhee explores the botanical, cultural, hydrological, and historical characteristics of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, the largest essentially untouched wilderness east of the Mississippi; and discusses efforts to preserve the area from encroaching urbanization.

Discusses the land and the lives of the people of Alaska, the wilderness areas and the urban centers.

Details the strategies and tactics through which people attempt to control nature.

Covers the botany, history, and industry of oranges. Includes sketches of orange growers, pickers, botanists, packers, early settlers on Florida's Indian River, the first orange barons, concentrate makers, and a profile of Ben Hill Griffin of Florida who may be the last of the orange barons.

A composite of journeys through ancient terrains, always in juxtapostion with travels in the modern world from New Jersey to the Indian Dunes.