John McPhee's Annals Of The Former World. July 9, 2021, Part 2 - Science Friday Recap
Podcast: Science Friday
Published: 2021-07-09
Duration: 2806
Guests: John McPhee
What Happened
John McPhee's journey with 'Annals of the Former World' began with a simple idea intended for a brief article in The New Yorker, which ultimately evolved into a 700-page book spanning the geology of North America. This monumental project took McPhee over 21 years to complete, culminating in a Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1999. His methodical approach involved learning geology through courses, fieldwork, and exhaustive reading of scientific literature.
During the archival interview with Ira Flatow, McPhee discusses how he integrates diverse topics such as nuclear physics and migrating fish into his narratives, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various scientific disciplines. His teaching role at Princeton University is likened to that of a swimming coach, where he helps students refine their writing rather than teaching them how to write from scratch. This analogy underscores McPhee's belief in polishing existing skills rather than imparting new ones.
McPhee elaborates on the importance of revisions in his writing process, comparing it to the craft of sculpture. He explains that for every day spent in the field, he dedicates ten days to writing, ensuring that each detail is meticulously crafted. His dedication to precision and depth is further illustrated by his multi-year Alaska project, which required experiencing the state across all four seasons.
Geological maps play a significant role in McPhee's work, particularly in illustrating how the geology of New York City influences its skyline. The skyscrapers of Manhattan, for instance, are possible because of nearby bedrock, such as the Manhattan Schist. Additionally, McPhee highlights the use of metaphors by geologists to convey the vastness of geologic time, which dwarfs human existence and challenges our perception of history.
McPhee's other work, 'The Curve of Binding Energy,' is also discussed, revealing insights into nuclear proliferation. A caller during the episode references this book, noting its impact on the understanding of nuclear technology's potential dangers. McPhee intentionally omitted specific details on constructing nuclear devices to prevent misuse, showcasing his responsibility as a writer.
The conversation also touches upon McPhee's ongoing projects, such as his interest in anadromous fish and the unfinished 'The Lemon Yellow Deltoid Pumpkin Seed' project. The latter explores innovative uses of helium for lifting heavy loads, reflecting McPhee's persistent curiosity and engagement with scientific exploration. His reading habits are diverse, with mentions of Stephen Ambrose's work on Lewis and Clark being part of his recreational reading.
Key Insights
- John McPhee's 'Annals of the Former World' is a comprehensive geological exploration of North America, initially conceived as a short article but expanded into a 700-page book over 21 years. It won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1999.
- Geological maps and metaphors are crucial in McPhee's work, helping readers understand the impact of geology on structures like New York City's skyline and the vastness of geologic time compared to human history.
- McPhee's writing process is intensive, with a ten-day writing commitment for every day of field research. His approach involves numerous revisions, likening the crafting of his narratives to the art of sculpture.
- In 'The Curve of Binding Energy,' McPhee explores the potential risks of nuclear proliferation, choosing not to include detailed instructions on building nuclear devices to prevent misuse. This highlights his ethical considerations as a writer.