Of Time and an Island - (New York State) by John Keats (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Thirty years ago, John Keats and his family purchased a two-acre island in the St. Lawrence River, at a time when boats were still lovingly crafted of wood and an island could be had for $4,000. Depending on the elements and on their own resourcefulness, the Keats family thrives in the rhythms of island life-fishing, learning to navigate the river and read the clouds for weather, acquiring an "Indian" view of time, maintaining a house, several boats, and three children on a windswept rock. But more than a book about a single family's adventures, this one is strong witness that we all need islands of our own in the midst of life. Originally published in 1974, Of Time and an Island was chosen as a Book-of-the-Month Club alternate selection.

Review Quotes

The writer's great affection for the river and people who live there sparkles everywhere in these pages. He doesn't like all of the things that came to the Thousand Islands by way of progress . . . but he always seems to understand the context.-- "Syracuse Herald-American Stars Magazine"

About the Author

John Keats was the author of fourteen nonfiction books, including bestsellers You Might As Well Live, the biography of Dorothy Parker, Howard Hughes, The Insolent Chariots, The Crack in the Picture Window, and Eminent Domain. His books have been translated into seven languages, and he authored hundreds of magazine articles. He was a professor emeritus of magazine writing in the Newhouse School at Syracuse University.