The Control of Nature

In 'The Control of Nature,' John McPhee explores humanity's relentless struggle to harness and manipulate the forces of nature. Through captivating narratives, he delves into three distinct locations, revealing the intricate dance between engineering prowess and natural chaos. Readers are drawn into the heart of Louisiana's eroding coastline, volcanic threats in Los Angeles, and the daunting challenges of managing the Mississippi River. With vivid characters and dramatic stakes, McPhee raises profound questions about control, survival, and our impact on the environment. This masterful work invites readers to ponder: can we ever truly dominate nature, or are we mere players in its grand design?

By John McPhee

Published: 1990

The Control of NatureBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00
Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

You might also like →

Merchants of DoubtBook binding

Merchants of Doubt

Naomi Oreskes, Erik M. Conway

The Sixth ExtinctionBook binding

The Sixth Extinction

Elizabeth Kolbert

A Comprehensive Introduction to Differential GeometryBook binding

A Comprehensive Introduction to Differential Geometry

Michael Spivak

The Sacred Mushroom and the CrossBook binding

The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross

John Marco Allegro

Adam Spencer's World of NumbersBook binding

Adam Spencer's World of Numbers

Adam Spencer

A Short History of Nearly EverythingBook binding

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson

East of EdenBook binding

East of Eden

John Steinbeck

A Sand County Almanac, and Sketches Here and ThereBook binding

A Sand County Almanac, and Sketches Here and There

Aldo Leopold

Annals of the Former WorldBook binding

Annals of the Former World

John McPhee

I Love You and I'm Leaving You AnywayBook binding

I Love You and I'm Leaving You Anyway

Tracy McMillan

Reinventing FireBook binding

Reinventing Fire

Amory B. Lovins, Rocky Mountain Institute

Genius FoodsBook binding

Genius Foods

Max Lugavere, Paul Grewal, M.D.

No is Not EnoughBook binding

No is Not Enough

Naomi Klein

Carry On, Mr. BowditchBook binding

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch

Jean Lee Latham

The Hockey Stick and the Climate WarsBook binding

The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars

Michael E. Mann

Startup RisingBook binding

Startup Rising

Christopher Schröder

ArcticaBook binding

Arctica

Sebastian Copeland

The Weather MakersBook binding

The Weather Makers

Tim Fridtjof Flannery

Big World, Small PlanetBook binding

Big World, Small Planet

Johan Rockstrom

1st 3 Minutes UniverseBook binding

1st 3 Minutes Universe

Steven Weinberg

The Uninhabitable EarthBook binding

The Uninhabitable Earth

David Wallace-Wells

The Ministry for the FutureBook binding

The Ministry for the Future

Kim Stanley Robinson

Whole Earth DisciplineBook binding

Whole Earth Discipline

Stewart Brand

The Ocean of LifeBook binding

The Ocean of Life

Callum Roberts

The Planet RemadeBook binding

The Planet Remade

Oliver Morton

SuperFreakonomicsBook binding

SuperFreakonomics

Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner

Taking CareBook binding

Taking Care

Joy Williams

Earth in Human HandsBook binding

Earth in Human Hands

David Grinspoon

Let Your Life SpeakBook binding

Let Your Life Speak

Parker J. Palmer

Book Collections you might like →

John Doerr's Book Recommendations

John Doerr's Book Recommendations

John Doerr is an American venture capitalist and chairman of Kleiner Perkins, one of the most prominent venture capital firms in Silicon Valley. Doerr has backed some of the biggest names in tech, including Google, Amazon, and Netscape, and has played a crucial role in the rise of the internet economy. He is also the author of Measure What Matters, which popularized the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) as a method for goal-setting in organizations. Doerr is a passionate advocate for addressing climate change and has invested in clean energy startups to help combat global warming. His contributions to tech and sustainability have made him a leading figure in venture capital.

View Collection
Andrew Huberman's Book Recommendations

Andrew Huberman's Book Recommendations

Andrew Huberman is a renowned neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford University, where he leads the Huberman Lab, focusing on brain function, behavior, and health. He has significantly contributed to the understanding of neural plasticity, particularly how the brain can change in response to experience and injury. Huberman is widely recognized for his engaging public science communication, which includes the popular "Huberman Lab" podcast that translates complex neuroscience topics into accessible insights for broad audiences. His research has been published in leading scientific journals, earning him numerous accolades and fostering a deeper public appreciation for neuroscience. Additionally, his work extends into practical applications, influencing fields such as mental health, vision restoration, and performance optimization.

View Collection
Patrick Collison's Book Recommendations

Patrick Collison's Book Recommendations

Patrick Collison is an Irish entrepreneur and co-founder of Stripe, a global technology company that enables businesses to accept online payments. Along with his brother John, Patrick has transformed Stripe into one of the most valuable private tech companies in the world. Stripe’s innovative approach to online payments has made it a key player in the financial technology space. Collison is known for his deep interest in science, technology, and policy, often engaging in conversations about innovation, progress, and how to improve societal outcomes. He is an advocate for scientific advancement and the intersection of technology and public policy.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Jim Collins's Book Recommendations

Jim Collins's Book Recommendations

Jim Collins is an acclaimed American author and business consultant known for his influential works on company sustainability and growth. His seminal book, "Good to Great," has sold millions of copies worldwide and is a staple in business literature, providing key insights into how companies transition from mediocre to exceptional. Collins' research-based approach has led to several other bestsellers, including "Built to Last" and "Great by Choice," which delve into the principles of enduring corporate success. A former faculty member at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, Collins has also co-authored numerous academic articles. His contributions have cemented his reputation as a leading thinker in business strategy and leadership.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
David Friedberg's Book Recommendations

David Friedberg's Book Recommendations

David Friedberg is an entrepreneur, investor, and founder of The Production Board, a company focused on creating and investing in businesses that aim to solve challenges in food, agriculture, and climate change. Friedberg is also the founder of Climate Corporation, a company that uses data science to help farmers manage weather risk, which was acquired by Monsanto for $1 billion. He is a strong advocate for using technology to address global environmental and food production challenges. Friedberg’s focus on sustainability and innovation has made him a leader in the intersection of agriculture, climate science, and technology.

View Collection
Aubrey Marcus's Book Recommendations

Aubrey Marcus's Book Recommendations

Aubrey Marcus is an influential entrepreneur, author, and podcaster, best known for founding Onnit, a health and wellness company dedicated to optimizing human performance. He authored the acclaimed book "Own the Day, Own Your Life," which offers practical advice on improving daily routines for overall well-being. Marcus's contributions to literature extend through his insightful podcasts and articles that delve into personal development, mental health, and holistic living. As a thought leader, he has inspired countless individuals to pursue a balanced and fulfilling life. His work continues to resonate with a global audience, promoting a message of self-empowerment and holistic health.

View Collection
Adam Gazzaley's Book Recommendations

Adam Gazzaley's Book Recommendations

Adam Gazzaley is a renowned neuroscientist and author known for his groundbreaking work in cognitive neuroscience, particularly in the realms of attention and memory. He is the founding director of the Neuroscape Lab at the University of California, San Francisco, where he pioneers innovative approaches to brain health, including video game-based therapies. Gazzaley co-authored the influential book "The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World," which explores the impact of modern technology on our cognitive capabilities. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Society for Neuroscience's Young Investigator Award. Gazzaley's contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of how technology can both challenge and enhance cognitive function.

View Collection
Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions