Even his debut (his winning entry in a literary contest) was already a masterpiece: 2 sisters, the man they loved, the son they jointly raised as mothers - and things too personal to ever speak about.

Stegner's last novel traces two very different couples' lives and lasting friendship from depression era Wisconsin to late 20th century Vermont. Quiet, languid, masterly writing with a riveting end.

BRCM's sequel: After 40 years, Bo Mason's son Bruce returns to his childhood home Salt Lake City for a final confrontation with the memory of a hated father and a life he thought he had shed forever.

"Spectator Bird"'s awardwinning prequel (Gold Medal, Commonwealth Club of California): The 1960s' changing morality, personal loss and the many aspects of (not always reciprocated) fatherly love.

Three interlinked stories portraying a rural New England community, provincialism, prejudice and their protagonists' struggles with past and present scandal.

His second short story collection, whose title story was one of his 3 O. Henry Short Fiction Awards first prize winners (in addition to 2 earlier second prizes): another poignant window on America.

Essays, memoir, novella and short story: his compelling, multi-faceted description of a boyhood spent on the plains of North Dakota and southwestern Saskatchewan.

A biography of longtime friend and fellow writer and conservationist Bernard DeVoto; like the Powell book an engaging exploration of the individual's impact on history and the environment.

In a way an earlier companion piece to "Bluebird;" likewise a collection of essays on the Western environment, as well as on Western literature.

One of his earliest works (published the year before "Big Rock Candy Mountain"): A collection of essays on Mormon history and life in Utah - to this day, not entirely undisputed within the LDS Church.

Not only an author himself, Stegner also taught fiction writing (last at Stanford). Like a final masterclass, this posthumously-published compilation unites his major essays and lectures on the topic.

Last but not least: Stegner's reminiscences on his life and work in a series of interviews. (Also recommended and in the same vein: James R. Hepworth's "Stealing Glances.")