In this rugged account of a rugged profession, Matthew Desmond explores the heart and soul of the wildland firefighter. Having joined a firecrew in Northern Arizona as a young man, Desmond relates his experiences with intimate knowledge and native ease, adroitly balancing emotion with analysis and action with insight. On the Firelineshows that these firefighters arent the adrenaline junkies or romantic heroes as theyre so often portrayed.

An immersion into a dangerous world, On the Fireline is also a sophisticated analysis of a high-risk professionand a captivating read.

Gripping . . . a masterful account of how young men are able to face down wildfire, and why they volunteer for such an enterprise in the first place.David Grazian,Sociological Forum

Along with the risks and sorrow, Desmond also presents the humor and comaraderie of ordinary men performing extraordinary tasks. . . . A good complement to Norman Maclean'sYoung Men and Fire. Recommended.Library Journal