Bass was born in south Texas and grew up there, absorbing stories and family lore from his grandfather during deer-hunting trips. These early forays into Texas hill country form the basis of the author's first book, The Deer Pasture, published when he was 27 years old. At one time or another, Bass has lived in Texas, Mississippi, Vermont, Utah, Arkansas, and Montana.

Bass received a degree in geology from Utah State University in 1979 and went to work as a petroleum geologist in Mississippi, prospecting for new oil wells. This experience informed one of his better-known nonfiction books, Oil Notes. Written in journal form, Oil Notes offers meditations on the art and science of finding energy in the ground, as well as reflections on the author's personal life and his outdoor adventures.

Bass is a passionate environmentalist whose nonfiction in particular celebrates...