274pp. In black cloth-covered boards with gilt titles on the spine. (Cloth a little rounded at spine ends). Text block edges a little dust marked. Internally neat, clean, bright and tight. In its original, edge rubbed dust jacket, with mild scuffs on corners and spine tips. 8vo. "Taking us deep into these contested territories, McPhee details the strategies and tactics through which people attempt to control nature. Most striking in his vivid depiction of the main contestants: nature in complex and awesome guises, and those who would attempt to wrest control from her--stubborn, often ingenious, and always arresting characters."