Peter Matthiessen Books

During the 1970s and 1980s, Peter Matthiessen took part in a number of expeditions to Africa, witnessing first-hand the continent's many and diverse peoples and wildlife. schovat popis

Cesar Chavez's struggle for agricultural workers is portrayed as a quest for national redemption, emphasizing the broader implications of his fight. Peter Matthiessen delves into Chavez's character, presenting him as a symbol of integrity and resilience. Through this exploration, readers are invited to reflect on their own values and actions, making the reading experience a personal confrontation with one's beliefs. The narrative serves as both a tribute to Chavez and a call to examine societal responsibilities.

An “indescribably touching, extraordinarily intelligent" ( Los Angeles Times Book Review ) chronicle of a fatal gun-battle between FBI agents and American Indian Movement activists by renowned writer Peter Matthiessen (1927-2014), author of the National Book Award-winning The Snow Leopard and the novel In Paradise On a hot June morning in 1975, a desperate shoot-out between FBI agents and Native Americans near Wounded Knee, South Dakota, left an Indian and two federal agents dead. Four members of the American Indian Movement were indicted on murder charges, and one, Leonard Peltier, was convicted and is now serving consecutive life sentences in a federal penitentiary. Behind this violent chain of events lie issues of great complexity and profound historical resonance, brilliantly explicated by Peter Matthiessen in this controversial book. Kept off the shelves for eight years because of one of the most protracted and bitterly fought legal cases in publishing history, In the Spirit of Crazy Horse reveals the Lakota tribe’s long struggle with the U.S. government, and makes clear why the traditional Indian concept of the earth is so important at a time when increasing populations are destroying the precious resources of our world.

One September, the writer and explorer Peter Matthiessen set out with field biologist George Schaller to journey 250 miles through the Himalayas to the Crystal Mountain on the Tibetan plateau. They wanted to study the wild blue sheep, the bharal, but also hoped to see the snow leopard, a creature so rarely spotted as to be nearly mythical. "The Snow Leopard" is not only an exquisite book of natural history but an extraordinary account of an inner journey; a 'true pilgrimage, a journey of the heart'.

Inspired by a near-mythic event of the wild Florida frontier at the turn of the twentieth century, Shadow Country reimagines the legend of the inspired Everglades sugar planter and notorious outlaw E. J. Watson, who drives himself to his own violent end at the hands of his neighbours. His son Lucius investigates the killing which has come to obsess him. In this bold new rendering of the Watson trilogy Matthiessen has deepened the insights and motivations of his characters, consolidating his fictional masterwork into a poetic, compelling novel of a monumental scope and ambition, with breathtaking accomplishment.

The narrative showcases Watson's exceptional voice, weaving a story that resonates deeply with readers. Its artistic merit and emotional depth suggest that it has the potential to be recognized as a classic in literature. The book's exploration of profound themes and its unique storytelling style set it apart, making it a significant contribution to contemporary fiction.

The book explores the historical journey of Buddhism, tracing its origins from India to China and Japan, while also documenting its modern evolution as it crosses the Pacific into the Americas and Europe. It highlights the cultural adaptations and transformations Buddhism has undergone in these new contexts, offering insights into its contemporary relevance and impact on Western society.

The author chronicles his quest for spiritual roots, describes his early Zen experiences and his gradual reawakening to life through Zen.

From the daily lives of wild herdsmen and the drama of predator kills to the field biologists investigating Africa's wild creatures and the anthropologists seeking humanity's origins in the rift valley, this National Book Award finalist is a classic of journalistic observation.

Renowned for his lyrical prose, the author explores the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world. Through vivid descriptions and insightful reflections, he captures the beauty and complexity of nature, encouraging readers to appreciate and connect with their environment. This work stands out as a significant contribution to contemporary nature writing, blending personal experience with broader ecological themes.