At Play in the Fields of the Lord

“Has nearly everything--a powerful plot, a rich variety of characters, a perceptive, deeply felt view of man’s yearnings and his essential ironic tragedy and a prose style that is vivid, sensuous and disciplined by his intelligence.” —New York Times

“Inventive and extremely well-written…incredibly moving and disturbing…a remarkable performance.” —San Francisco Chronicle

“Matthiessen has produced, in expertly crafted and sometimes deeply affecting prose, an entertainment full of glittering color, nose-to-nose conflict, and heroic gestures.” —Washington Post Book World

“Anthony Heald delivers all the zest and passion in Matthiessen’s well-known novel about the hypocrisy, condescension, and self-delusion in the white man’s efforts to “civilize” the indigenous peoples of the South American jungle. Heald’s characterizations are as lively and vivid as they are varied. From South American despots to American mercenaries to self-righteous missionaries, Heald’s characters are fully realized, full of complexity and contradiction. Even if the characters are not remotely sympathetic, in Heald’s narration they’re always recognizable. And though the novel is unmistakably tragic, Heald also renders the comedy uproariously. His rendition of Wolfie—the American Jewish soldier of fortune who is a force of nature—is a marvel.” —AudioFile