Basin and Range

Annals of the Former World, Book 1

By: John McPhee

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

To geologists, rocks are beautiful, roadcuts are windowpanes, and the earth is alive, a work in progress. The cataclysmic movement that gives birth to mountains and oceans is ongoing and can still be seen at certain places on our planet. One of these is the Basin and Range region centered in Nevada and Utah.

In this first book of a Pulitzer Prize-winning collection, the author crosses the spectacular Basin and Range with geology professor Kenneth Deffeyes in tow. McPhee draws on Deffeyes' expertise to dazzle you with the vast perspective of geologic time and the fascinating history of vanished landscapes. The effect is guaranteed to expand your mind.

McPhee's enthusiasm is infectious, as he provides one of the best introductions to plate tectonics and the New Geology. His elegant style is more pleasing than ever with narrator Nelson Runger's smooth, enthusiastic delivery. Runger mines the book's rich veins of poetic prose and subtle humor, and the result is pure gold.

Listen to more books in the Annals of the Former World collection.

©1980, 1981 John McPhee (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A fascinating book." (The New York Times Book Review)
"He triumphs by succinct prose, by his uncanny ability to capture the essence of a complex issue, or an arcane trade secret, in a well-turned phrase." (New York Review of Books)

I love it

I’m so intrigued by geology, plate tectonics, and the way technology has deepened our understanding of our planet’s current land formations.
John McPhee explains the North American story from east to west (with necessary input from related topography.) I was thinking in the beginning that the format was going to drive me crazy and sped up the narrative.
Then I had to get out maps, and a book with the many unfamiliar terms defined.

With my visual aids and setting time to listen without distractions, I became engrossed.
I’m too old to wander over basin and range now, (and I hate snakes) but I have taken many road trips in my time.

virtuosic

One of the best books in the long career of a pioneer of creative nonfiction. As sprawling and dynamic as the province it describes, with beautifully explained technical geology, far-flung anecdotes, an JM's trademark tall stories and wordplay,, Basin and Range is one of McPhee masterpieces. Nelson Runger's superb reading captures every inflection in McPhee's intonation. on about my 5th listen.

get lost in the ancient world

A window on the ancient world, well grounded in modern day Ranch Country and Mining country.

A Classic, finally all FIVE parts now available

What made the experience of listening to Basin and Range the most enjoyable?
The wealth of Geological information interwoven with the stories of the Geologists who explain, through McPhee, the complex but fascinating Geological history of America from coast to coast on Interstate 80. But be aware that "Assembling California" is not listed with the other 4 books of the canon. Be sure to get all five. The sequence I would suggest logically follow the trek across the USA from coast to coast ie books1 through 5 in order. Some have suggested a different sequence, but all stand alone very well. This series of 5 Audio books should be in every library of those who admire and enjoy superb non-fiction writing or geology. These are suberbly performed by Nelson Runger. If much of your listening is done while driving, this audio book series will transport you to "The Former World" as you travel.
Ronald E. Bowers, MD

What other book might you compare Basin and Range to and why?
the other 4 books of "Annals of the Former World"

What about Nelson Runger’s performance did you like?
Tone and delivery matched the style of the book(s). Not pedantic.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
yes, and re-listen!

Annals of the Former World

The reader could have been better. The mixing of Science and History is seamless excellent.

Wow.

McPhee is an amazing writer. I love geology, but he makes it positively lush and compelling to listen to. I am so glad Audible added this to their collection. Thanks!!

Awesome!

I am a geologist and this takes me back to college. It's a wonderful story and the presentaion is great.

Makes Classic Narrative Geology

McPhee is a master of non-fiction writing. He invariably captures just the right amount of detail such that the reader comes away with a solid understanding without feeling as though one had endured a lecture.

Tough going, but good

Would you try another book from John McPhee and/or Nelson Runger?

Yes. John McPhee does his best to make a very dry and complicated subject palatable to the general reader. This is one of Nelson Runger's better books. I know that some folks aren't fans of his, but outside of a few readings, he never really bothered me.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Outside of the Narrator (McPhee) probably the guy who was able to procure the aggregate silver from abandoned mines in Nevada.

What three words best describe Nelson Runger’s performance?

Accessible. Journalistic. Engaged.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

This would probably be better as a PBS Special

Any additional comments?

It is a tough listen, I'm not going to lie. But you do learn something. My experience was enhanced by listening to it while driving to Las Vegas and being in the geological region where the book was based. It was also neat to pass by road cuts in the highway and discover how geologists use them for research. But I can see how past reviewers would want maps while listening to this.

Great for Geology Students

McPhee is brings rocks to life. Requires some geology background to fully grasp though