Of Time and an Island

By John C. Keats

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0815602111
• ISBN13: 9780815602118
• Release Date: April 1987
• Publisher: Syracuse University Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

The private life of one of our great journalists

This is a dynamic work by an unusual and remarkable man whose contributions in other areas have yet to be fully appreciated. An expert writer and master of literary organization, Keats presents a view of an alternative way of life along the St. Lawrence River. You will enjoy being there as he and his family rise to the challenges of living on an island. By the way, John Keats also wrote an expose on the American automobile, (Insolent Chariots, 1958), an expose on our post secondary educational system (The Sheepskin Psychosis), and the food industry (Whatever Happened to Mom's Apple Pie?). These are a MUST READ even today. Sadly, these are not widely available and out of print.I believe that he passed away recently, but considering the impact of his work it is surprising he lived as long as he has. I am hopeful history will reveal the magnitude of the contribution that Mr. Keats had made to the well-being of the American consumer. What he wrote in 1950's and 1960's is perhaps more relevant today than it was at the time he wrote it. You are no doubt familiar with Ralph Nader who addressed issues in the auto industry. You will find the life of this author equally fascinating perhaps more so considering that little seems available about the concluding years of his life (death?). This reader does not understand why this author seems to be obscure and certain works unobtainable.

A great Book!

This is one of those books you just can't put down! An amazing record of the life and poeple of the Thousand Islands from the point of view of an Islander themself. The history included in the book is well researched. The authors discriptions of the Islands and the life living there are the best I've read. The authors island and home are still standing just the way he discribed them in the book. This is definitly a must read for any Thousand Islands fan.