Peter Matthiessen, a profound writer of his time, deftly interweaves environmental advocacy with an exploration of human morality in his literary works. Known for his commitment to the environment, Matthiessen's works reflect his deep concern for the fragile ecosystems and cultures threatened by industrial imperialism. Through an array of fiction and nonfiction, he brings attention to the pressing environmental issues of his age, urging readers to rethink their relationship with the natural world.

The Environmental Advocate and Traveler

Matthiessen's works often stem from his passion for exploring distant and obscure locales, motivated by a desire to shine light on the environmental degradation occurring there. His acclaimed novel, At Play in the Fields of the Lord, and his nonfiction work, Indian Country, exemplify his unyielding focus on the destructive impact of industrial greed on both the environment and indigenous cultures. These writings serve not only as travelogues but as calls to action, urging readers to acknowledge and address the environmental and cultural devastations unfolding across the globe.

Human Nature and Moral Exploration

While Matthiessen's early fiction, including novels like Partisans and Raditzer, investigate the moral complexities of human relationships, his later works delve deeper into the philosophical implications of humanity's place within nature. His novels—like the philosophical meditations of Herman Melville and Joseph Conrad—consider humanity as an integral part of the natural world, exploring the themes of isolation and unity with nature. Characters like Lewis Meriwether Moon from At Play in the Fields of the Lord and Raib Avers from Far Tortuga embody this exploration, as they confront the challenges posed by the natural world.

At Play in the Fields of the Lord

Set in the Amazon, this novel interrogates the collision of "primitive" and "civilized" cultures. The Niaruna tribe, faced with the encroachment of industrial civilization, exemplifies Matthiessen's exploration of cultural and environmental degradation. Moon, a complex and introspective character, becomes emblematic of the tension between these worlds, ultimately seeking to integrate himself into the Niaruna's way of life. The novel challenges readers to question the inherent destructiveness of modern civilization.

Far Tortuga: An Experimental Novel

Far Tortuga, described as a hybrid of poetry and prose, captures the struggle of Caribbean fishermen against the elements. Through its minimalist and experimental style, the novel immerses readers in the tactile and auditory experience of the sea. This narrative highlights Matthiessen's skill in evoking the natural world, portraying the turtlers' vanishing livelihood against the backdrop of a changing world.

The Snow Leopard: A Spiritual Quest

The Snow Leopard chronicles Matthiessen's physical and spiritual journey through Nepal. Partnering with wildlife biologist George Schaller, Matthiessen embarks on a quest not only to find the elusive snow leopard but also to achieve internal peace following a personal tragedy. The narrative interweaves the natural beauty of the Himalayas with a meditation on grief and acceptance, embodying Matthiessen's belief in the interconnectedness of life and nature.

Indian Country: Cultural and Environmental Commentary

In Indian Country, Matthiessen turns his attention to the plight of Native American cultures, highlighting the environmental and cultural destruction brought by American expansion. The narrative critiques the failures of institutions like the Bureau of Indian Affairs and contrasts the harmonious connection Native Americans maintain with the land against the materialism of modern society. While some critics argue that Matthiessen idealizes his subjects, the work remains a poignant examination of indigenous resilience.

Killing Mister Watson and the Everglades Trilogy

The saga of Edgar J. Watson, a real historical figure, anchors Matthiessen's Everglades trilogy. Through a mosaic of voices and perspectives, the trilogy paints a complex portrait of Watson and the murky circumstances surrounding his death. This narrative structure reflects Matthiessen's fascination with myth, memory, and the subjective nature of truth, while also exploring the socio-environmental impact of human actions in the Florida Everglades.

Throughout his prolific career, Matthiessen's works have consistently melded literary craftsmanship with environmental and ethical inquiries. Whether exploring the jungles of South America or reflecting on the vanishing cultures of North America, his writing invites readers to reconsider their own roles in the natural world and challenges them to advocate for a more harmonious existence with nature.