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A River Runs Through It

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( 12,176 ratings, 1,064 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A River Runs Through It is a lyrical memoir based on Norman Maclean's childhood in Montana, blending his family's deep connection to fly fishing with reflections on life and faith. Set against the backdrop of the Big Blackfoot River, the narrative captures the complex bonds of family and the bittersweet passage of time with vivid, poetic descriptions.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This timeless classic will resonate with readers who appreciate beautifully crafted literary memoirs and those with an interest in nature, fly fishing, and Americana. It is especially suited for lovers of reflective stories that explore family relationships and the natural world.

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From its first sentence to the last, this novella by Norman Maclean will captivate readers with its vivid images of the Blackfoot River, its tender yet realistic renderings of Maclean's father and brother and its uncanny blending of fly fishing with the affections of the heart. "Wise, witty, wonderful . . ".--Publishers Weekly.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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, A River Runs Through It 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.

This handsome edition is designed and illustrated by Barry Moser. There are thirteen two-color wood engravings.

"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

"Wise, witty, wonderful, Maclean spins his tales, casts his flies, fishes the rivers and woods for what he remembers of his youth in the Rockies."—Barbara Bannon, Publishers Weekly

"Maclean's book is surely destined to be one of those rare memoirs that can be called a masterpiece... Earthy, whimsical, authoritative, wise; it touches the heart without blushing and traces lasting images for the eye... This book is a gem."—Nick Lyons, Fly-Fisherman

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780226500607

Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 15 May 1989

Country: United States

Imprint: University of Chicago Press

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Barry Moser

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 2.0mm

Width: 14.0mm

Height: 22.0mm

Weight: 369g

Pages: 168

About the Author

Norman Maclean (1902-1990), 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 was the William Rainey Harper Professor of English at the University of Chicago until 1973.

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