Encounters with the Archdruid is a creative nonfiction book by John McPhee, originally published in 1971. The book centers on the ideological clashes between environmental conservation and resource exploitation through the figure of David Brower, a prominent conservationist. McPhee is a celebrated American writer and journalist renowned for his proficiency in narrative nonfiction. His work focuses on environmental issues, which he develops through literary techniques and factual research.

Encounters with the Archdruid focuses on the debates and personal interactions between David Brower and three proponents of resource exploitation: a geologist, a resort developer, and a dam builder. McPhee sheds light on the broader socio-historical context of the US environmental movement. The book develops around three general themes, explored in this guide: Brower as the Archdruid of the Conservation Movement; Nature as a Resource; and Personal Background Determines Ideological Position.

The edition referenced in this guide is the 1984 paperback reprint of the 1971 original edition by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.

Summary

In Part 1 of Encounters with the Archdruid, titled “A Mountain,” John McPhee narrates a journey through the Glacier Peak Wilderness with conservationist David Brower, geologist Charles Park, and two medical students. The hike ends at a remote cabin used for snow surveys and reveals the scenic beauty of the Cascades. The story contrasts Brower’s view of the wilderness as sacred and Park’s belief in the necessity of resource extraction, particularly copper mining, for societal progress. Their debates highlight the conflict between environmental preservation and resource management. The narrative also delves into Brower’s past, including his discovery of a butterfly species, his family’s hardships, and his early love for nature, which shaped his career in conservation.

The group traverses difficult terrain around a copper deposit near Plummer Mountain. Despite physical discomforts, they reach an area called “the Golf Course” (36); Park admires its mining potential, while Brower opposes mining, citing environmental damage. Their discussions highlight the tension between economic benefits and conservation. They find signs of previous mining but initially no visible copper. Eventually, Park discovers copper-containing stones, which they all enjoy in different ways. The discovery sparks a debate on modernizing mining laws and the balance between resource extraction and environmental protection. The group continues to Image Lake, where Park reflects on geology, and Brower emphasizes conservation. Despite exhaustion and differing views, the group bonds over their journey.

Part 2, titled “An Island,” describes David Brower’s cross-country speeches advocating for environmental conservation. Brower, carrying minimal baggage, travels to deliver impassioned talks comparing humanity’s destructive impact to the six days of Genesis, using an Apollo photo to highlight Earth’s fragility. He condemns resource misuse and warns of the dangers of unchecked industrial growth. McPhee likens Brower’s evangelical style to that of Billy Graham, emphasizing urgent action to protect the planet.

The narrative shifts to Charles Fraser, a developer on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, who envisions careful, aesthetically controlled resort development that preserves natural beauty. Fraser’s Sea Pines Plantation embodies his idea of balancing conservation and development. Despite criticism, Fraser sees himself as a true conservationist. Fraser’s acquisition of Cumberland Island raises concerns among conservationists, though he aims to integrate development with nature. Brower meets Fraser on the island, where they discuss its future, and Brower finds himself cautiously approving Fraser’s vision.

Meanwhile, Rick Ferguson, a descendant of the Carnegie family, who sold their island property to Fraser, voices concern over Fraser’s development plans. Fraser and Brower agree on clustering development to preserve most of the island and banning cars. Brower envisions a small population focused on conservation—an idea Fraser supports. McPhee provides background on their families, highlighting Fraser’s disciplined upbringing and Brower’s supportive wife. After a rough camping night, Fraser opts for the comfort of a yacht to discuss development plans. They explore the island, and despite joking about development, Fraser contemplates Brower’s conservation pleas. Ultimately, influenced by ecological and political pressure, Fraser sells his Cumberland property to the National Park Foundation, making it a national reserve.

In Part 3, “A River,” John McPhee introduces Floyd Elgin Dominy, a rugged cattle rancher from Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, who played a pivotal role in water management. Dominy, who built dams to combat drought in Wyoming, is now the Reclamation Commissioner. For conservationists like David Brower, dams symbolize environmental destruction, a sentiment rooted in Brower’s childhood witnessing the Hetch Hetchy Valley’s flooding. Brower has fiercely opposed dam projects, uniting conservation groups and leveraging publicity to protect rivers. Despite Brower’s victories, he believes conservation battles are ongoing. McPhee arranges a rafting trip on the Colorado River, bringing together Brower and Dominy, who engage in intense debates about dams' economic benefits and environmental costs. They tour Glen Canyon Dam, where Dominy proudly explains its operations while Brower critiques its environmental impact. Despite their differences, the trip fosters mutual respect and continued discussion about balancing development and conservation.

Brower laments the submerged ecosystems of Lake Powell, created by the Glen Canyon Dam. This project was commissioned and led by Dominy. Despite admiring the reservoir’s beauty, Brower criticizes the loss of natural wonders like the Cathedral in the Desert. Floyd Dominy defends the lake’s creation for its accessibility and visual appeal. They continue debating at Rainbow Bridge, where Dominy dismisses Brower’s concerns about silt accumulation. The narrative shifts to Brower’s rise and fall within the Sierra Club, portraying his rigid stance and ultimate expulsion. The story then follows a rafting trip on the Colorado River, where Brower and Dominy debate the merits of dams. Despite their differences, the interlocutors foster mutual respect. They later navigate the challenging Lava Falls, with Brower joining the raft, symbolizing a continued dialogue on conservation and development.