{"product_id":"figures-in-a-landscape-people-and-places-9781328592781","title":"Figures in a Landscape: People and Places","description":"\"A portrait of an optimist with curiosity and affection for humanity in all its forms.\"\u003cstrong\u003e--\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe New York Times Book Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \"Theroux is at the top of his game with his third collection of essays, a magisterial grouping of intimate remembrances, globe-trotting adventures, and incisive literary critiques.\"\u003cstrong\u003e--\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly, Starred Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eTheroux's observations are so keen and writerly skills so sharp that he butter-slices narratives with a razor-thin surgeon's scalpel, masterfully serving up both the world's dark underbelly and its gloriously uplifting sustenance of love, longing and \u003cem\u003ewonder\u003c\/em\u003e-lust.\" \u003cstrong\u003e--\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForbes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Paul Theroux's latest collection of essays applies his signature searching curiosity to a life lived as much in reading as on the road. This writerly tour-de-force features a satisfyingly varied selection of topics. Travel essays take us to Ecuador, Zimbabwe, and Hawaii, to name a few. Gems of literary criticism reveal fascinating depth in the work of Henry David Thoreau, Muriel Spark, Joseph Conrad, and Hunter Thompson. And in a series of breathtakingly personal profiles, we take a helicopter ride with Elizabeth Taylor, go diagnosing with Oliver Sacks, eavesdrop on the day-to-day life of a Manhattan dominatrix, and explore New York with Robin Williams. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e An extended meditation on the craft of writing binds together this wide-ranging collection, along with Theroux's constant quest for the authentic in a person or in a place. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePAUL THEROUX is the author of many highly acclaimed books. His novels include \u003ci\u003eThe Lower River\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Mosquito Coast, \u003c\/i\u003e and his renowned travel books include \u003ci\u003eGhost Train to the Eastern Star\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eDark Star Safari\u003c\/i\u003e. He lives on Cape Cod and in Hawaii.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Mariner Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50464601571602,"sku":"9781328592781","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_34f7aecb-433f-438f-856c-9434cfa65143.jpg?v=1730107376","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/figures-in-a-landscape-people-and-places-9781328592781","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}