Wikipedia:Today's featured article/September 17, 2012

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is a 1974 nonfiction narrative book by American author Annie Dillard (pictured). Told from a first-person point of view, the book details an unnamed narrator's explorations near her home, and contemplations on nature and life. The title refers to Tinker Creek, which is outside Roanoke in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Dillard began writing Pilgrim in the spring of 1973, using her personal journals as inspiration. Separated into four sections that signify each of the seasons, the narrative spans the period of one year in thoughts on solitude, writing, and religion, as well as scientific observations on the flora and fauna. Touching upon themes of faith, nature, and awareness, Pilgrim is also noted for its study of theodicy and the inherent cruelty of the natural world. The book is analogous in design and genre to Henry David Thoreau's Walden, the subject of Dillard's master's thesis at Hollins College. Pilgrim has been lauded by critics, won the 1975 Pulitzer Prize for General Non-fiction, and in 1999 was included in Modern Library's list of 100 Best Nonfiction Books. (more...)

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