Author Description

Storm," a novel by George R. Stewart, is considered the first eco-novel and explores the relationship between humanity and nature, focusing on a massive winter storm's impact on drought-stricken California, with an introduction by Nathaniel Rich. Key aspects of "Storm": Genre: Considered the first eco-novel, exploring the relationship between humans and the natural world. Plot: The story follows a massive winter storm that brings destruction, peril, and death to drought-plagued California. Characters: The storm's progress is tracked through the eyes of meteorologists, linemen, snowplow operators, a general, lovebirds, and an owl. Themes: The book examines how humans cope with environmental stress and the influence of environmental conditions on human fate. Rich's Introduction: Nathaniel Rich has written a new introduction to the New York Review of Books Press edition of Stewart's novel. Stewart's Approach: Stewart's prose is characterized by a focus on natural processes and the profound transformations that unfold over vast stretches of time. Storm's Impact: The storm brings long-needed rain, flooded roads, deep snows, accidents, and death.