As a chronicler of the American West and the souls and passions of the people who live there, Norman Maclean has no peer. This new boxed set comprises his two great books plus an engaging recording of interviews, readings, and reflections.A River Runs Through It is the lyrical, deeply moving story of Maclean's Montana youth on the Big Blackfoot River, when fly-fishing was the one activity that allowed his family to bridge troubled relationships and make connections, brother with brother, father with son. It was made into an acclaimed film of the same name by director Robert Redford. This unabridged version is masterfully read by Montana novelist Jvan Doig.
Young Men & Fire consumed 14 years of Maclean's life and earned a 1992 National Book Critics Circle Award. In unflinching detail, it tells the harrowing story of a 1949 Rocky Mountain forest fire that claimed the lives of 13 young "smokejumpers". Western essayist Gretel Ehrlich called it "extraordinarily wise and lyrical...a haunting commentary on birth, sex, death, memory, and rebirth". This unabridged version is read by Norman Maclean's son, John.
On the Big Blackfoot contains archival readings by and interviews with Norman Maclean, along with recollections by his son, journalist John Maclean. Publishers Weekly called it "wise, witty, and wonderful".