Best Selling Books by Norman Maclean

Collection of three Western stories, featuring the title piece about the relationship between a father and his two sons, bound together by love and fly fishing.

Just as Norman Maclean writes at the end of "A River Runs through It" that he is "haunted by waters," so have readers been haunted by his novella. A retired English professor who began writing fiction at the age of 70, Maclean produced what is now recognized as one of the classic American stories of the twentieth century. Originally published in 1976, A River Runs through It and Other Stories now celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary, marked by this new edition that includes a foreword by Annie Proulx. Maclean grew up in the western Rocky Mountains in the first decades of the twentieth century. As a young man he worked many summers in logging camps and for the United States Forest Service. The two novellas and short story in this collection are based on his own experiences—the experiences of a young man who found that life was only a step from art in its structures and beauty. The beauty he found was in reality, and so he leaves a careful record of what it was like to work in the woods when it was still a world of horse and hand and foot, without power saws, "cats," or four-wheel drives. Populated with drunks, loggers, card sharks, and whores, and set in the small towns and surrounding trout streams and mountains of western Montana, the stories concern themselves with the complexities of fly fishing, logging, fighting forest fires, playing cribbage, and being a husband, a son, and a father. By turns raunchy, poignant, caustic, and elegiac, these are superb tales which express, in Maclean''s own words, "a little of the love I have for the earth as it goes by." A first offering from a 70-year-old writer, the basis of a top-grossing movie, and the first original fiction published by the University of Chicago Press, A River Runs through It and Other Stories has sold more than a million copies. As Proulx writes in her foreword to this new edition, "In 1990 Norman Maclean died in body, but for hundreds of thousands of readers he will live as long as fish swim and books are made."

Tells what happened on August 5, 1949 in Man Gulch, Montana when fifteen smokejumpers came to fight a forest fire.

Selected works and incidental writings by the celebrated author of A River Runs Through It, plus excerpts from a 1986 interview. In his eighty-seven years, Norman Maclean played many parts: fisherman, logger, firefighter, scholar, teacher. But it was a role he took up late in life, that of writer, that won him enduring fame and critical acclaim—as well as the devotion of readers worldwide. Though the 1976 collection A River Runs Through It and Other Stories was the only book Maclean published in his lifetime, it was an unexpected success, and the moving family tragedy of the title novella—based largely on Maclean’s memories of his childhood home in Montana—has proved to be one of the most enduring American stories ever written. The Norman Maclean Reader is a wonderful addition to Maclean’s celebrated oeuvre. Bringing together previously unpublished materials with incidental writings and selections from his more famous works, the Reader will serve as the perfect introduction for readers new to Maclean, while offering longtime fans new insight into his life and career. In this evocative collection, Maclean as both a writer and a man becomes evident. Perceptive, intimate essays deal with his career as a teacher and a literary scholar, as well as the wealth of family stories for which Maclean is famous. Complete with a generous selection of letters, as well as excerpts from a 1986 interview, The Norman Maclean Reader provides a fully fleshed-out portrait of this much admired author, showing us a writer fully aware of the nuances of his craft, and a man as at home in the academic environment of the University of Chicago as in the quiet mountains of his beloved Montana. Various and moving, the works collected in The Norman Maclean Reader serve as both a summation and a celebration, giving readers a chance once again to hear one of American literature’s most distinctive voices. Praise for The Norman MacLean Reader “A solid, satisfying, well-made body of work by a patient craftsman.” —Chicago Tribune “The Norman Maclean Reader fills out and makes more human the impressions of the restless, inquiring storyteller we saw in previously published works. In his writings, at their best, we too feel the thrusts and strains. He is a writer of great beauty, in his own terms.” —Financial Times “Weltzien has not only done great service for Norman Maclean’s readers, he has rightly expanded Maclean’s place in American literature . . . . For me, The Norman Maclean reader is discovered treasure.” —Bloomsbury Review

In "The Great Discovery," Norman Maclean blends lyrical prose with a profound exploration of the human spirit, echoing the themes of nature''s beauty and the search for meaning that permeate his work. Set against the expansive backdrop of the American West, the narrative chronicles a journey of both physical and existential adventure. Maclean deftly employs a reflective literary style, drawing readers into a richly descriptive tapestry imbued with metaphor and philosophical insight, embodying a keen awareness of life''s complexities. This book serves not only as a testament to the splendor of the natural world but also as a meditation on the self in relation to that world. Norman Maclean, renowned for his literary contributions that often intertwine personal narrative with universal themes, experienced formative influences throughout his life, including his deep-rooted connection to nature and his experiences as both a fly-fisherman and a veteran. These aspects of his biography inform the poignant and contemplative nature of "The Great Discovery," highlighting his observations on the intersections of man and nature. Maclean''Äôs unique perspective, shaped by his academic background and notable works like "A River Runs Through It," reveals his understanding of the human condition. I highly recommend "The Great Discovery" to readers who appreciate evocative storytelling and philosophical inquiry. This book is not merely an exploration of landscapes; it is a deeply engaging journey that fosters introspection and an appreciation for life''s intricate connections. With Maclean''s compelling narrative style, readers are invited to reflect on their own encounters and discoveries in the world around them.

Norman Maclean, l''auteur de La Rivière du sixième jour, raconte ici l''été de ses dix-sept ans. Le jeune garçon fait partie d''une équipe de gardes forestiers chargés de parer aux risques d''incendie en montagne. En fin de saison, tout le monde, y compris les mulets, redescend à Hamilton, Montana, et... la ville n''a qu''à bien se tenir. Une tempête de neige en plein mois d''août. un serpent à sonnettes, un cuisinier antipathique grand escamoteur de cartes, un bordel ambulant, et une partie de poker qui tourne en bagarre, tels sont quelques-uns des ingrédients de ce récit épique, dans la grande tradition de Mark Twain et des conteurs de l''Ouest américain.

Disentangling the facts from the hype, this ''Domesday book'' of the British and Irish countryside offers a definitive and up-to-date survey of the state of our wildlife today. Norman Maclean, editor of the bestselling Silent Summer, examines the latest findings of Britain and Ireland''s top wildlife experts and interprets them for a wider audience. Each chapter provides reliable estimates of animal populations, showing which species are thriving and which are in decline. The book also considers the effects of climate change on our wildlife and how human population growth is influencing its development. Beautifully illustrated with colour plates and wood engravings throughout, this accessible and timely study reveals just how rapidly our countryside and its wildlife are changing, why we should be concerned, and what we can do about it.

In "Victory out of Ruin," Norman Maclean intricately weaves a narrative that transcends the personal and collective struggles of post-war America. Through his masterful prose, Maclean explores themes of resilience, hope, and the search for identity in the face of devastation. The book is rooted in the rich literary tradition of American realism, capturing the complexities of human experience against the backdrop of a nation grappling with its scars. His vivid imagery and poignant character development invite readers into a world where destruction gives birth to renewal, creating a tapestry of stories that resonate on multiple levels. Norman Maclean, known for his profound understanding of human nature and the natural world, draws upon his own experiences and the historical context of the times to inform his writing. A seasoned writer and scholar, Maclean was deeply influenced by his early life in the American West and the generational trauma experienced in the aftermath of war. These personal insights imbue "Victory out of Ruin" with authenticity, making it a significant addition to the landscape of contemporary literature. This compelling work is a must-read for those interested in exploring the depths of human resilience and the transformative power of adversity. Maclean''s ability to articulate the nuanced interplay between destruction and hope will resonate with readers seeking both inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human condition. Engage with "Victory out of Ruin" and uncover the profound truths that emerge from the ashes of despair.

A comedian, singer, composer, musician, linguist, actor, author and a favourite of Sean Connery and Billy Connolly''s, Norman MacLean is a living legend in the Gaelic world and a household name across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Yet for all his creative genius Norman MacLean is virtually anonymous outside this ribbon of northern Scotland. His career has been etched with enormous highs and lows - a reflection of the turmoil of his private life, where a lifelong battle with alcohol has had a crippling effect on everything that he has touched, and which has arguably prevented him from achieving the global recognition that his undoubted talent so merited. In The Leper''s Bell, an erudite, analytical and frank autobiography of this wonderful, unique, but ultimately little-known star, Norman MacLean reveals the man behind the comedy and the crippling horrors of alcoholism. It is in turns tragic and uplifting, devastating and hilarious, elegant and heartbreaking, and one of the most compelling and moving memoirs to appear in recent years.

In his eighty-seven years, Norman Maclean played many parts: fisherman, logger, firefighter, scholar, teacher. But it was a role he took up late in life, that of writer, that won him enduring fame and critical acclaim—as well as the devotion of readers worldwide. When he died in 1990, Maclean left behind an earlier unfinished project, on a topic that had held his attention for decades: General Custer and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The portions of that writing that remain reveal a deep interest not only in the battle itself but also its afterlife—how historical events influence popular culture and how retellings revise the past. Summarizing the events from the various perspectives of the Americans, the Sioux, and the Cheyenne, Maclean explains why the battle lives on in our imagination. Custer’s “last stand” provides all the elements—the characters, the plot, and the backdrop—of the perfect dramatic tragedy. And the way we retell history, argues Maclean, is intimately tied to how we choose to memorialize defeat.

A comedian, singer, composer, musician, linguist, actor, author and a favourite of Sean Connery and Billy Connolly''s, Norman MacLean is a living legend in the Gaelic world. Based in the Uists in the Outer Hebrides, with side trips to Glasgow, Hamburg and Amsterdam, this dotty adventure embraces frustrated sex, drugs, eightsome reels and a memorable cast of oddball characters: three inept would-be criminals, a demented care-home resident, an ex-communicant of the Free Church of Scotland who moonlights as an enforcer, a pair of Russian weight-lifters who raise ostriches by day and mud-wrestle by night, and a formidable woman lawyer determined to cleanse the island of wrongdoing before HM The Queen arrives on her annual visit. Something akin to a mad Gaelic version of The Sopranos as directed by the Coen Brothers, this novella is a masterclass of understatement, pitch-perfect dialogue and confident narration.

In "Stand Up, Ye Dead," Norman Maclean weaves a poignant narrative that balances the traditions of the Western American landscape with the profound themes of mortality and memory. Employing a lyrical style that reflects his background in both poetry and storytelling, Maclean crafts a compelling examination of the lives of his characters against the backdrop of the rugged Montana terrain. The novel captures the complexities of human relationships, the haunting specters of loss, and the quest for understanding in a world where nature perpetually reclaims its mysteries, resonating with the literary traditions of regionalism and existential inquiry. Norman Maclean, renowned for his earlier work "A River Runs Through It," draws upon his deep connections to the landscapes of the American West and his formative experiences as a professor of English. Born and raised in the mountains of Montana, Maclean''Äôs intimate knowledge of place is imbued in his storytelling, as he explores themes of kinship, legacy, and the interplay between life and death. This novel, written later in his life, reflects a seasoned depth, distilling his passionate observations into a rich tapestry of narrative. "Stand Up, Ye Dead" is a masterful exploration that invites readers to engage with the fragile threads that bind us to our pasts. Maclean''s vivid prose and deep philosophical insight make this book not only a tribute to the enduring spirits of those we have lost but also a poignant reminder of the beauty of life itself. A must-read for anyone drawn to the complexities of human existence and the haunting allure of memory.

Presents the elements of hockey, such as its history, objectives, playing positions, and equipment.

An introduction to the basic techniques of ice skating with information on equipment, exercises, and training for competitions.

The control of gene expression and its levels of action; Gene expression in prokaryotes; Experimental systems of differential gene fuction in eukaryotes-systems involving one type of protein; Experimental systems of differential gene fuction in eukaryotes-systems of limited complexity; Experimental systems of differential gene fuction in eukaryotes-systems not well understood in molecular terms; RNA involvement in gene expression; General concepts of gene regulation.

From its first magnificent sentence, "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing", to the last, "I am haunted by waters", A River Runs Through It is an American classic. Based on Norman Maclean''s childhood experiences, the title novella has established itself as one of the most moving stories of our time; it captivates readers with vivid descriptions of life along Montana''s Big Blackfoot River and its near magical blend of fly fishing with the troubling affections of the heart. The paperback edition is now available with an evocative new cover by acclaimed Montana painter Russell Chatham. "A masterpiece. . . . This is more than stunning fiction: It is a lyric record of a time and a life, shining with Maclean''s special gift for calling the reader''s attention to arts of all kinds—the arts that work in nature, in personality, in social intercourse, in fly-fishing."—Kenneth M. Pierce, Village Voice Norman Maclean (1902-90), woodsman, scholar, teacher, and storyteller, grew up in the Western Rocky Mountains of Montana and worked for many years in logging camps and for the United States Forestry Service before beginning his academic career. He retired from the University of Chicago in 1973.

On August 5, 1949, a crew of fifteen Smokejumpers, the United States Forest Service''s elite airborne firefighters, stepped into the sky above a remote forest fire in the Montana wilderness. Less than two hours after their jump, all but three of these men were dead or fatally burned. Exactly what happened in Mann Gulch that day has been obscured by years of grief and controversy. Now a master storyteller finally gives the Mann Gulch fire its due as tragedy. Norman Maclean first saw the Mann Gulch fire as it still burned in mid-August 1949, and even then he knew he would one day become a part of its story. Maclean spent the last fourteen years of his life studying and reliving the fire. Young Men and Fire is the long-awaited result, a story of Montana, of the ways of wildfires, firefighters, and fire scientists, and especially of a crew, young and proud, who "hadn''t learned to count the odds and to sense they might owe the universe a tragedy." This tale is also Maclean''s own, the story of a writer obsessed by a strange and human horror, unable to let the truth die with these young men, searching for the last - and lasting - word. Nature''s violence collides with human fallibility in Young Men and Fire. The Smokejumpers in Mann Gulch are trapped by a "blowup," a deadly explosion of flame and wind rarely encountered and little understood at the time. Only seconds ahead of the approaching firestorm, the foreman, R. Wagner Dodge, throws himself into the ashes of an "escape fire "--And survives as his confused men run, their last moments obscured by smoke. The parents of the dead cry murder, charging that the foreman''s fire killed their boys. Years later, Maclean returns to the scene with two of the survivors and pursues the mysteries that Mann Gulch has kept hidden since 1949. From the words of witnesses, the evidence of history, and the research of fire scientists, Maclean at last assembles the scattered pieces of the Mann Gulch tragedy.