Wallace Stegner's essays are truly remarkable.

There are two essays specifically about Wendell Berry. One delves into Berry's sense of place in his writing, exploring how he vividly描绘s the landscapes and communities that are so dear to him.

The other is a letter in which Stegner expresses his deep admiration for his former student, Berry.

The remaining essays touch on various aspects of Stegner's literary world. Some relate to his own books, sharing his thoughts and experiences during the创作process.

Others discuss the other authors he admires, perhaps drawing inspiration from their works.

And of course, there is a strong emphasis on his love for the western landscape. Stegner was a conservationist long before most of us even considered the importance of protecting our natural environment.

His essays not only provide valuable insights into his own mind and work but also offer a window into the literary and ecological landscapes that he held so dear.

Wallace Stegner is truly one of my all-time favorite writers.

He has an incredible talent for both fiction and nonfiction writing.

I bought this book specifically to read during a long train journey from Seattle to Wisconsin.

As it turned out, it was the perfect choice for that trip through the vast high plains.

This slim volume is a wonderful collection of essays that cover a wide range of subjects.

It includes his personal life experiences, in-depth discussions about the geology and ecology of the West, and incisive analysis of his own writing as well as that of other writers who have written in or about the West.

What I particularly appreciate about Stegner's writing is its clarity, intelligence, and straightforwardness.

The third section titled "Witnesses" was especially interesting to me.

In this section, he delves into the works and lives of writers such as John Steinbeck, Walter Van Tillberg Clark, George Stewart, and Norman Maclean.

His insights and perspectives on these literary figures add another layer of depth and richness to the book.

Overall, this collection of essays is a must-read for anyone who loves literature and the American West.

A truly fantastic collection of essays awaits the reader, meticulously detailing the profound concerns of Wallace Stegner. He delves deep into the essence of life, the allure and significance of the West, and the art of writing.

I was particularly enamored with the first section, which consists of personal essays chronicling his childhood. These intimate accounts offer a fascinating glimpse into the formative years that shaped his perspective. The final essay in the last section, titled "The Law of Nature and the Dream of Man," is equally captivating, presenting thought-provoking ideas.

The middle section, although perhaps a bit less engaging, still manages to provide valuable information. It serves as a bridge between the more personal and the more literary aspects of the collection.

The final section features essays about other Western writers, and it is here that I was able to gather several excellent book suggestions from a master of the craft. Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone interested in Stegner's work or in the themes he explores.

I really loved the essays that delved into the aspects of living and writing and writers in the west.

These essays provided a rich and engaging exploration of the unique experiences and perspectives within that context.

However, I did not enjoy the chapters on federal laws regarding land and water management.

They seemed rather out of place in this particular volume.

Rather than adding to the overall charm and coherence of the book, they instead made for some rather tedious reading.

Their inclusion disrupted the flow and tone that had been established by the earlier essays.

It felt as if these chapters were forced into the book without a proper consideration of how they would fit in with the rest of the content.

As a result, they detracted from my overall enjoyment of the volume.

Perhaps if they had been presented in a different format or in a more relevant context, they might have been more interesting and engaging.

But as it stands, they were a bit of a disappointment.

I had been eager to read this book for a long time. It is divided into 3 parts, namely "Personal", "Habitat", and "Witnesses".

I have perused several books penned by Stegner and am quite acquainted with his life and writing style. I am 65 years old. The initial two sections were extremely fascinating. However, the final section, which is a little less than half of the book, comprised of some highly detailed essays on writing and other authors. Among them, I was only truly familiar with one, Wendell Berry. I found this part tedious and rather boring.

This is not the finest book by Stegner. I suppose I have a penchant for his fiction. He writes in a manner that indicates someone who has dedicated his life to Academia and Writing.

Nonetheless, it is a quick read.

A collection of essays on the nature of living in the West.

Stegner's deep understanding of the human condition in relationship to their surroundings is truly profound and personal. He is an extremely accomplished writer, and his passion for this subject matter is blatantly apparent throughout the text.

Nevertheless, for my own personal preference when it comes to a reading subject, this collection is perhaps a bit too "arid". It lacks the vividness and emotional engagement that I typically seek in a literary work.

While Stegner's insights are无疑 valuable, the overall tone and style of the essays may not appeal to everyone.

Nonetheless, it is important to recognize the significance of his work and the unique perspective he offers on life in the West.

Perhaps with a different mindset or a more open approach, one could find greater enjoyment and enlightenment in these essays.

Overall, it is a collection that值得 further exploration and consideration, despite its initial shortcomings for some readers.

Being away from my home state of Utah, Stegner's words have a profound impact on me. He reminds me that each and every one of us has a physical place that truly feels like home.

His vivid description of the dry, arid landscape of my childhood has been an incredible source of comfort during those times when I've been overcome with homesickness.

I can almost picture the vast deserts, the red rock formations, and the clear blue skies that were such a part of my early years.

It's as if Stegner has captured the essence of my home in his writing, allowing me to hold onto those memories even when I'm far away.

His work serves as a reminder of the importance of place and how it shapes our identities and our sense of belonging.

Whenever I read his descriptions, I feel a sense of connection to my roots and a longing to return to that special place that I call home.

Stegner's words have truly touched my heart and have made me appreciate the significance of my home state of Utah even more.

A master class on a part of the world that we assume we are familiar with, yet it remains largely unknown: the American West.

It is a region that is constantly in the process of defining its identity and grappling with the harsh realities of climate change, population growth, and water scarcity.

This remarkable collection of essays not only provides a deeper understanding of the American West but also showcases a plethora of the finest Western writers.

Undoubtedly, Stegner is among the most prominent of them. His works offer unique insights into the landscapes, cultures, and people of the West, painting a vivid and complex picture of this fascinating region.

By delving into the pages of this collection, readers can embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the hidden corners and untold stories of the American West.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding this enigmatic part of the world and the talented writers who have brought it to life.

I have a profound and immediate affection for Stegner's writing at this very moment. His words have a unique charm that draws me in and holds my attention captive.

The way he weaves stories, creates vivid characters, and描绘 landscapes is truly remarkable. It's as if he has a magical pen that brings everything to life on the page.

I find myself completely immersed in his fictional worlds, experiencing the emotions and adventures of the characters as if they were my own. Stegner's writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking, making me reflect on various aspects of life and human nature.

With each sentence, he manages to convey deep meanings and触动 my heart. I can't get enough of his work and look forward to exploring more of his novels and stories in the future.

Collection of Essays: A Source of Enlightenment

Essays have long been a powerful medium for expressing ideas, sharing experiences, and provoking thought. A collection of essays can be a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration, offering readers a diverse range of perspectives on various topics.

These essays can cover everything from personal reflections and philosophical musings to social commentaries and literary analyses. They can be written by renowned authors or emerging voices, each bringing their unique style and insights to the table.

By reading a collection of essays, we can expand our knowledge, challenge our assumptions, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. We can also be inspired to think differently, to explore new ideas, and to take action in our own lives.

In conclusion, a collection of essays is not just a book of words; it is a source of enlightenment that has the potential to transform our thinking and enrich our lives. So, pick up a collection of essays today and embark on a journey of discovery and growth.

A sensational collection of memoirs and essays awaits within the pages of this remarkable book.

The book commences with captivating stories that detail his early years, spent growing up in diverse locations across the West. His father's penchant for restlessness, unable to remain in one place for long, is also a prominent theme.

The second memoir, which stands out as the best in the book and is perhaps the most heart-wrenching, was penned by Stegner when he was eighty years old. By this time, his mother had been deceased for over fifty years. As he delved into his memories of her, he began to fathom what an extraordinary woman she truly was. He realized with a pang of regret how he had taken her for granted all those years and how he had failed to appreciate the precious gift she was until it was far too late.

The middle section of the book consists of essays that explore the geography and history of the places in the West where he had resided. The final part is dedicated to essays about the writers of the West, with separate pieces on individual luminaries such as John Steinbeck, George Stewart, Walter Clark, Norman Maclean, and Wendell Berry.

Wallace Stegner's incredible poetic prose elevates this book to a sensational read, firmly establishing it as one of my all-time favorites by him.

To read a collection of essays, I truly find that I have to put my whole mind into it.

It is somewhat helpful that the book was borrowed and I was eager to return it. But originally, I discovered Stegner in a used bookstore in Fremont, Seattle several years ago and had a strong desire to read something of his.

The essays encompassed various aspects such as his upbringing, the West, the pragmatic spirituality of the land, water rights and the development of the West, environmentalism, and writers of the West like Wendell Berry and Aldo Leopold (of "Sand County Almanac") - both of whom are on my bookshelves and have been influential in my thinking since around the age of 20. The book really brought to my attention the fact that there had been a West/East divide at one time and the lack of acceptance in the NY publishing world of "Western" literature. At the end, I skipped a few pages when he talked about an author I thought I might never read, but overall, I give it a thumbs-up.

Now that I have read this book, I will go back to another book of essays by a Western writer, Edward Abbey - "The Serpents of Paradise" - to continue reading in this genre.

And, for the sake of balance, I just ordered a used copy of a book that emerged from a quick Google search of "Wallace Stegner essays" - "Why I Can't Read Wallace Stegner, and Other Essays: A Tribal Voice" by Elizabeth Cook-Lynn.

This way, I hope to gain a more comprehensive understanding of different perspectives and voices within the realm of Western literature.