Irons in the Fire. Inscribed by John McPhee. First Edition, Second Printing. Farrar, Straus, Giroux. New York, 1997.

John McPhee is an American author whose creative nonfiction ranks among the best of the twentieth century. He has published dozens of book-length works. Their subjects range from sports to geology. His work is collectively known for its outstanding prose and elegant interweavings of scientific and historical facts into narratives. For his contributions, McPhee has earned a Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction, a National Book Critics Circle Award, and a Wallace Stegner Award. In Irons in the Fire, McPhee presents seven nonfiction essays that highlight his range and intellectual capacity. They cover subjects like the restoration of Plymouth Rock, forensic geology, cattle rustling, exotic cars, and more. These essays, in other words, prove that McPhee’s curiosity and creative eye knows no boundaries, that he can turn any subject into lyrical, vivid prose.

This first edition, second printing is inscribed by McPhee on the half-title page. It is in fine condition. In the original casing, fine. Text block fine. In the original dust jacket, fine.

A fine inscribed early printing of Irons in the Fire by John McPhee.