Edward McPherson
Writer and professor of creative writing at Washington University in St. Louis, author of Look Out: The Delight and Danger of Taking the Long View (Astra House, 2025), with work focused on cultural histories of place, environment, and the aerial view.
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Dec 13, 2025 • 38min
Edward McPherson, "Look Out: The Delight and Danger of Taking the Long View" (Astra House, 2025)
Edward McPherson, a writer and professor known for his exploration of environment and technology, discusses his book, Look Out. He reveals the fascinating history of aerial views and bird's-eye maps, emphasizing their power and cultural implications. McPherson connects the past with modern practices, likening historic maps to today’s selfies. He also weighs the ethical dilemmas of drones and the impact of pandemic lockdowns on perception. The conversation encourages viewing both the distant and nearby to grasp the fuller picture of our world.
Dec 13, 2025 • 38min
Edward McPherson, "Look Out: The Delight and Danger of Taking the Long View" (Astra House, 2025)
Edward McPherson, a nonfiction writer and professor, dives into his book on the cultural significance of aerial views and long-distance mapping. He discusses the obsession with bird's-eye perspectives from the 19th century and how mapping shapes public perception and power dynamics. The conversation touches on the duality of drones—offering both benefits in science and risks of surveillance. McPherson also shares insights on how the pandemic reframed narratives of distance, emphasizing the importance of melding both far and close perspectives in understanding our world.
