The Pine Barrens by John McPhee Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Pine Barrens
Book Review: John McPhee remains the master of the long essay
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read many McPhee books, and found that this early effort is just another example of his mastery of the form. He can make just about anything fascinating, because he himself projects an endless curiosity, love of diverse humanity, and a writing talent that is matched by very few (e.g. Trillin). This is an examination, twenty-five years ago, of the wilderness area in the south of New Jersey, of all places, its history, geography, and its people. Who cares? You will, after you've read this book.Book Review: McPhee's "Pine Barrens" will still be read in 100 years.....
Summary: 5 Stars
If ever there is a book that the term "classic" properly applies to it is John McPhee's "The Pine Barrens."
I first read this book over 30 years ago. I've read multiple times. More often I read a single chapter to refresh my spirit. I often read selective passages a few days prior to going on a hiking, canoeing or backpacking trip into the Pine Barrens.
John McPhee's subsequent works such as "Coming into the Country" and "Oranges" are testimony to just how well the McPhee style and approach merge with the substance of his research and depth of his thoughts. I have read many of John McPhee's other books but for me, "The Pine Barrens" is my all-time McPhee favorite.
McPhee mixes history, culture, natural history, biology, botany, religion, economics, politics and folkways into an investigative story of place. No one has done it better in describing the Pinelands of south Jersey. Along the way, you will get to know "Pineys," the people of the pinelands. You'll learn about cranberry bogs and blueberry barrens. You will discover a globally rare ecosystem known as a dwarf forest. You'll learn of the rare and endangered plants and animals in the Pine Barrens. You'll hear about "salvage logging" of old growth Atlantic white cedar from the bogs and waterways of the Pine Barrens. You'll discover that carnivorous plants thrive in a stressful environment: sundews; bladderworts; and pitcher plants. You will learn how Pineys made extra money at Christmas time gathering sphagnum moss.
You'll find out where Quakers from the original William Penn settlements in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley ended up when they left or got kicked out of Quaker meeting. In more recent times, you'll find out where Philadelphia and New York mafia families dumped the bodies of members from rival families.
You'll learn that in the 18th century, the bog-iron industry in the American colonies was centered in the Pine Barrens making cannon, shot and musket balls for George Washington's army. In the 19th century, the American glass industry got its start in south Jersey by using the pure white sand underneath those millions of pine trees.
This is a fine, enduring work. To gain a better understanding for the culture, history and ecology of the Garden State, "The Pine Barrens" should be required reading for all New Jersey high school students.
Book Review: Must read for all NJ residents
Summary: 5 Stars
I'll keep this short and sweet: McPhee's The Pine Barrens is an entirely outstanding, fascinating look at the unique area that is the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. McPhee covers Piney culture, the unique ecological nature of the region, its history, and its hidden treasures. The writing is poetic and rich, the people interesting, and the information detailed, thorough and never dull. A really great read that anyone living in NJ should get.Book Review: New Jersey Reads The Pine Barrens
Summary: 5 Stars
This amazing, still relevant book is the Main Selection for ONE BOOK NEW JERSEY- a state wide reading initiative that supports literacy and celebrates New Jersey's Libraries. John McPhee's elegant hand offers the whole world focused through the filter of the New Jersey Pine Barrens** Check out all the details at www.OneBookNewJersey.org**
1999 Pulitzer Prize Winner and native New Jerseyan John McPhee spoke compellingly at the 'kick-off' press conference recently at the Princeton Public Library and mentioned that having the chance to revisit "The Pine Barrens" through the new statewide reading program has presented him with a rare opportunity. "One of the things in my work," he said, "is that you have to move on to the next thing. But I have a lot of nostolgia for the things I write about."
In "The Pine Barrens," Mr. McPhee combines detailed descriptions of the region's culture, ecology and history with anecdotes gleaned from meeting its residents through his travels.
Born and raised in Princeton and a professor at his alma mater, Princeton University, Mr. McPhee said the selection of his book is terrific. "I was really quite amazed that 40 years after I started in on it," it's still relevant, he said. "I'm glad it's alive."
A friend from his days at Princeton High School suggested the Pine Barrens as a subject, Mr. McPhee said. "He said there are holes in the ground so deep there's no bottom and the people, they're dangerous and all that," Mr. McPhee recalled.
The Pinelands, totaling 1.1 million acres and encompassing 22 percent of New Jersey's land area, is host to legends, myth and intrigue about its residents, sometimes referred to as the Pineys.
Mr. McPhee found no bottomless holes and discovered the Pine Barrens residents were "wonderful," and many strongly believed in the Jersey Devil and other myths.
Fortunately the Pine Barrens, a spectacular and unique part of the beautiful and varied state of NJ, has changed little in the 37 years since the book was published and ONE BOOK NEW JERSEY 2004 offers people a chance to read, re-read and discuss this essential and beautifully written piece of non-fiction.
At age of 15 it opened me up to the powerful world of non-fiction -- let it do the same for you!!
Book Review: Non-Fiction for Fiction Readers
Summary: 5 Stars
I really dislike non-fiction. In general, I read sci-fi, mysteries and horror. A friend of mine handed me this book and insisted that I read it. I finally gave in, read it and loved it. This book is superbly written, moves quickly, and gives a wonderful glimpse into the history and people of a region without getting overly sentimental or mushy. Very nice. I read this book over and over again and would recomend it to anyone. This book will let you learn more about blueberries, cranberries, the New Jersey Devil, charcoal-making and many other interesting topics. Run out and read this book!