The Control of Nature

Natural phenomena come in many degrees of difficulty. Earthquakes and hurricanes are among the most powerful forces of nature, but they are also easily forecast and tracked. The much more delicate problem, when it comes to predicting their behavior, is that of a small stream or pond. For example, how can one control the rise or fall of a lake in the desert? Or predict when a rainstorm will arrive, thousands of miles away? The Control of Nature is John McPhee's bestselling account of places where people are locked in combat with nature. Taking us deep into these contested territories, McPhee details the strategies and tactics through which people attempt to control nature. Most striking is his depiction of the main contestants: nature in complex and awesome guises, and those attempting to wrest control from her—stubborn, sometimes foolhardy and more often ingenious.