Peter Matthiessen

Easton Press Peter Matthiessen books

Lost Man's River - signed first edition - 1997

At Play in the Fields of the Lord - signed modern classic - 2001
The Snow Leopard - signed modern classic - 2004

Franklin Library Peter Matthiessen books

The Snow Leopard - Limited First Edition - 1978

 

 

 

Peter Matthiessen biography

Peter Matthiessen was an American author, naturalist, and environmental activist known for his literary achievements and his dedication to environmental conservation. Born on May 22, 1927, in New York City, Matthiessen developed a passion for writing and nature at an early age, which would shape the trajectory of his life and career. After studying at Yale University, where he co-founded the literary magazine The Yale Review, Matthiessen embarked on a career as a writer and journalist. He traveled extensively, exploring remote regions of the world and immersing himself in the natural landscapes and indigenous cultures that would become the focus of much of his writing.

Matthiessen's early works include novels such as At Play in the Fields of the Lord (1965), which explores the impact of Western colonization on indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest, and Far Tortuga (1975), a lyrical and meditative novel set in the Caribbean. In addition to his fiction writing, Matthiessen was also an accomplished non-fiction author and naturalist. He wrote several books on wildlife and environmental conservation, including Wildlife in America (1959) and The Snow Leopard (1978), a memoir of his journey through the Himalayas in search of the elusive snow leopard. Matthiessen's literary achievements were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the National Book Award for Fiction for Shadow Country (2008), a reworking of his epic trilogy about the Florida Everglades. He was also a three-time winner of the National Magazine Award for his work as a journalist and essayist.

In addition to his writing, Matthiessen was a dedicated environmental activist, advocating for the preservation of wilderness areas and the protection of endangered species. He co-founded the conservation organization, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and was actively involved in efforts to protect the natural world until his death.

Peter Matthiessen passed away on April 5, 2014, leaving behind a rich and diverse body of work that continues to inspire readers and environmentalists around the world. His writing reflects a deep reverence for the natural world and a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all life, making him a beloved figure in both the literary and environmental communities.