James Conaway onderzoekt de essentie van het Amerikaanse landschap en de cultuur, met een bijzondere focus op Californië. Zijn schrijfstijl kenmerkt zich door diepgang en inzicht, waarbij hij vaak de ingewikkelde relaties tussen mensen, land en geschiedenis blootlegt. Conaway combineert meesterlijk gedetailleerd onderzoek met meeslepende verhalen die de lezer naar het hart van zijn onderwerpen trekken. Zijn werken bieden een rijk perspectief op het Amerikaanse experiment en de evolutie ervan.
Napa Valley is the second biggest tourist attraction in California, after Disneyland. But 25 years ago the valley was virtually dormant, until a new wave of settlers determined to make great wines moved into the region. Conaway captures what may be the most crucial moment in wine-making history. Two 8-page photo inserts.
The story unfolds in a rural Virginia community where the narrator grapples with the aftermath of a bear's tragic death, igniting his passion for environmental preservation. His life takes a turn when a free-spirited young woman and her daughter, his granddaughter, return, reigniting his sense of family and responsibility. Motivated by love and a desire to protect his environment, he resolves to confront the drug threats plaguing his community. The narrative explores themes of family, nature, and the fight against societal decay.
The story features a diverse cast of characters, including a powerful witch, a talking mule, and a comatose knight from ancient Celtic lore, all set against the backdrop of King Arthur's early court. Alongside these figures are a group of reformed bandits and various mythical beings like the frog with a hundred eyes and the Questing Beast. Each character brings unique traits and challenges, weaving a tale rich in adventure and magic.