Peter Matthiessen Quotes
Peter Matthiessen was an American author, naturalist, and environmental activist. He was born in 1927 and passed away in 2014. He is best known for his works that explore the relationship between humans and nature, as well as his travels and experiences in remote and exotic locations. Some of his no…Read More
Peter Matthiessen was an American author, naturalist, and environmental activist. He was born in 1927 and passed away in 2014. He is best known for his works that explore the relationship between humans and nature, as well as his travels and experiences in remote and exotic locations. Some of his notable works include “The Snow Leopard,” which won the National Book Award, and “At Play in the Fields of the Lord,” which was adapted into a film. He was also a co-founder of the environmental organization, the World Wildlife Fund. Matthiessen’s writing is known for its lyrical prose and deep insights into the human condition. He is considered one of the greatest nature writers of his time.Read Less
Peter Matthiessen was an American author, naturalist, and environmental activist. He was born in 1927 and passed away in 2014. He is best known for his works that explore the relationship between humans and nature, as well as his travels and experiences in remote and exotic locations. Some of his notable works include “The Snow Leopard,” which won the National Book Award, and “At Play in the Fields of the Lord,” which was adapted into a film. He was also a co-founder of the environmental organization, the World Wildlife Fund. Matthiessen’s writing is known for its lyrical prose and deep insights into the human condition. He is considered one of the greatest nature writers of his time.
7 Best Peter Matthiessen Quotes
Peter Matthiessen Career Highlights
- In 1951, Matthiessen co-founded The Paris Review, a literary magazine that is still in publication today. He served as its first fiction editor and later as a contributing editor.
- In 1961, Matthiessen published his first novel, “Race Rock,” which was based on his experiences as a commercial fisherman in the Caribbean.
- In 1965, he published “The Snow Leopard,” a non-fiction book that chronicled his journey to the Himalayas in search of the elusive snow leopard. The book won the National Book Award for Contemporary Thought and was a bestseller.
- In 1973, Matthiessen co-founded the environmental organization, The Nature Conservancy, and served on its board of directors for over 20 years.
- In 1980, he published “Sand Rivers,” a travelogue about his journey through Tanzania. This book was the first in a series of books that focused on his travels and experiences in different parts of the world.
- In 2008, Matthiessen published “Shadow Country,” a novel that was a reworking of his earlier trilogy, “Killing Mister Watson,” “Lost Man’s River,” and “Bone by Bone.” The book won the National Book Award for Fiction and was praised for its powerful storytelling and vivid portrayal of the Florida Everglades.
Key Contributions by Peter Matthiessen
- Matthiessen’s writing focused on a wide range of topics, including nature, travel, social and political issues, and spirituality. He was able to seamlessly blend these themes together in his writing, creating thought-provoking and impactful works.
- He was a pioneer in the genre of creative non-fiction, which combines elements of fiction and non-fiction to tell a compelling and true story. His book “The Snow Leopard” is considered a classic in this genre.
- Matthiessen was a passionate environmentalist and used his writing to raise awareness about conservation and the impact of human activities on the natural world. He was also actively involved in various environmental organizations and campaigns.
- He was a master of descriptive writing, with a keen eye for detail and a talent for capturing the essence of a place or a person. His writing was often described as poetic and lyrical, and he was able to transport readers to the locations he wrote about.
What Sets Peter Matthiessen Apart
- Matthiessen’s writing was deeply influenced by his personal experiences and his spiritual beliefs. He was a student of Zen Buddhism and spent time studying with Buddhist teachers in Japan and the United States. This spiritual aspect is evident in his writing, which often explores themes of nature, mortality, and the human condition.
- He was a versatile writer, equally adept at writing fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. He was also a skilled journalist and wrote for publications such as The New Yorker, Esquire, and National Geographic.
- Matthiessen was a lifelong learner and was constantly seeking new experiences and knowledge. This thirst for knowledge and his curiosity about the world is reflected in his writing, which is rich in detail and insight.
Takeaways
- Peter Matthiessen was a highly influential and versatile writer who left a lasting impact on the literary world.
- His writing was a unique blend of fact and fiction, and he was able to use this style to explore a wide range of topics and themes.
- Matthiessen’s passion for nature and the environment is evident in his writing, and he used his platform to raise awareness about important issues.
- He was a masterful storyteller and his writing continues to inspire and captivate readers.
Other People
Writer/Author
Writer
· England
1878 - 1957
Writer
· England
1950
Writer
1892 - 1966
