Back on the Fire

Using fire as a metaphor for transformative experiences, this collection of essays delves into Gary Snyder's personal journey and evolving perspectives on nature and culture. He reflects on diverse topics, including forestry practices, the writing life, and Eastern philosophy, while sharing memories from his childhood, literary experiences in the Bay Area, and travels to Japan. The essays reveal Snyder's intellectual depth and emotional vulnerability, creating a cohesive exploration of his life and work, presented in his signature straightforward style.