NY, Farrar Straus Giroux, (1981). The first of McPhee's books on geology, which eventually led to his winning the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction for Annals of the Former World, which included the text of this book plus four others. Inscribed by McPhee on the half-title: "For Dr. Dale Brett/ gratefully, from Michael Black/ and with regards, too, from/ John McPhee." Owner's embossed stamp on first blank, otherwise fine in a near fine, price-clipped dust jacket with a bit of wear at the spine crown. [#035309] SOLD