John McPhee's The Control of Nature masterfully examines humanity's attempts to control natural forces, blending compelling narrative with meticulous research. Readers praise its insightful portrayals of human ingenuity and hubris, though some find the technical details overwhelming. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking reflection on our relationship with nature.

Fans of John McPhee's The Control of Nature typically enjoy detailed, narrative-driven explorations of complex ecological and geological issues. Similar to readers of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring or Jared Diamond’s Collapse, they appreciate well-researched, accessible science writing that engages with humanity's attempts to dominate and adapt to natural forces.

In The Control of Nature, John McPhee examines humanity's attempts to dominate natural forces, exploring the Army Corps of Engineers' efforts to control the Mississippi River in Louisiana, Icelanders' innovative response to a volcanic eruption in Heimaey, and Los Angeles' measures to manage deadly debris flows from nearby mountains. The book involves descriptions of natural disasters and their impacts on human lives.

Informative / Challenging / Mysterious / Suspenseful / Contemplative

- Published in 1989, The Control of Nature by John McPhee is a non-fiction book that consists of three essays, each focusing on a different natural phenomenon and human attempts to manage or control it.
- The book includes detailed narratives of real-life events such as efforts to redirect lava flows in Iceland and control flooding along the Mississippi River, offering readers an in-depth look at the interplay between technological ingenuity and natural forces.
- John McPhee is known for his meticulous research and unique ability to bring complex subjects to life, and The Control of Nature is often praised for its vivid storytelling and insightful examination of the human struggle against natural elements.

**John McPhee**  
A Pulitzer Prize-winning author and creative nonfiction writer, known for exploring complex topics with literary flair. In this work, he delves into various interactions between humans and nature, including the Army Corps of Engineers' efforts in controlling the Mississippi River.

**Army Corps of Engineers**  
A key institution responsible for river management and disaster response, particularly on the Mississippi River and other hazardous sites. The Corps' mission and methods are often examined and questioned by various characters throughout the book.

**Major General Thomas Sands**  
An officer who oversees operations on the Mississippi River and leads the Mississippi River Commission. His role highlights the tension between military strategy and civilian needs in the Corps' management practices.

**Rabalais**  
A Cajun man who manages a navigation lock to control the Atchafalaya River on behalf of the Army Corps. He is a proponent of the Corps' efforts.

**Leroy Dugas (Dugie)**  
A Cajun native who manages the Army Corps' control mechanism at Old River, directing water flow. Initially skeptical of the Corps' objectives, he grew to support their mission.

**Oliver Houck**  
A former general counsel of the National Wildlife Federation and law professor who challenges the Army Corps' approach to controlling the Mississippi. He raises concerns about military versus civilian priorities.

**Mike Bourque**  
A Cajun fisherman whose livelihood depends on the Mississippi River and its management. He advocates for better support of local industries like crawfishing by the Corps.

**Harry Kim**  
The director of the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency, tasked with managing lava flows in Hilo. He interacts with various experts to assess and respond to volcanic challenges.

**Thorbjorn Sigurgeirsson**  
An Icelandic physicist who devised a method to cool lava flows to protect his hometown. His innovation significantly impacted local geography and economy.

**Patton (Sveinn Eiriksson)**  
A military officer who assisted with Thorbjorn's lava cooling project in Iceland, bringing a managerial perspective to the scientific effort. He later shared his experiences in Hawaii.

**Magnus Magnusson**  
A resident and former mayor of Heimaey, Iceland. He provides local historical context and decision-making under volcanic threat.

**The Genofiles**  
An upper-middle-class family living near Los Angeles, whose home was nearly destroyed by a debris flow. Their experience highlights issues with local infrastructure management.

**Mike Rubel**  
An eccentric individual who built a castle using debris boulders near the Los Angeles mountains. He discusses debris basins and enjoys a unique view of the natural landscape.

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