A good biography for historical perspective

Where does A Passion for Nature rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The narration of this book somewhat matches the kind of book this is - - it is not literature, nor a paean to greatness, nor an adventure story, as previous Muir biographies have been. Rather, this book goes into depth about Muir's life and puts it into historical perspective, in a fairly academic way. Unfortunately, the performance of this narrator was not nearly as good as most of the audiobook I have come to expect on audible.com.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Passion for Nature?

Muir's entire life was memorable, from his adventures in the mountains and on glaciers, and in his conservation battles.

What didn’t you like about Jim Frangione’s performance?

This is one of the worst - read narrations I have heard in an audio book. The performer spoke in a fairly academic monotone which I suppose in some ways matches the kind of book this is, but several times he mis-pronounced some fairly common scientific terms, like the word "lichen." Jim Franigione may be a professional narrator, but seems to be the kind that reads labels rather than literature.

Although Muir himself clearly had a "passion for nature" which is gloriously expressed in Muir's writings, and included in many of the quotes used here, you would never know it from this narration. For one thing, the narrator read the quotes in the same tone of voice he read the main text. It was thus often very hard to tell what was a quotation and what was Donald Worster's main text. The narrator didn't even seem to try to make the quotes stand out from the rest of the text. I have come to expect far better in most audiobooks.

The publisher should have selected a narrator who is used to reading fiction - many audible audio books have performers that have different "voices" for every different character, and many have a talent for different accents as well. This book cried out for someone who could read Muir with a Scottish accent, and put a little "passion" into Muir's passionate writing, while then returning to a normal narrative for the rest of the text. Unfortunately, that is not the case here. I can't say it ruined the book, because the book itself was good writing - for a historical biography, but it did diminish it.

Any additional comments?

The important thing to remember is that this is a historical perspective of John Muir's life, written by a noted academic. As such, it is not quite as "readable" as some of the earlier biographies of Muir's life, which read much more like an adventure story, as in the case of the Pulitzer prize winning biography by Linnie Marsh Wolfe, which extols Muir's greatness. But if you want to understand better how Muir's life fit in with other things that were happening during his life, in a highly objective manner, this is the best biography for that. The author is a historian, not a novelist or an environmentalist or a story-teller. So his objectivity seems to make this biography a bit more dry than other Muir biographies where the authors quickly get caught up in the excitement of Muir's life. But earlier biographies have their own problems, such as inaccuracies and failing to contain more recent information. This biography is in many ways more thorough and more accurate than prior Muir biographies.

In addition, as well as putting the life of John Muir in context, the author puts quite a bit of his own interpretations into the narrative. This is of interest to those who know something about Muir, whether you agree with him or not, because it can at least provoke discussion. If you don't know much about Muir, then perhaps a more straightforward biography is better for you.

As a history book, it is a good book, for audiences with a more scholarly bent. If you are looking for something more exciting to read about Muir's life, there are several earlier biographies that do that, but may not cover Muir's life as thoroughly.

24 people found this helpful

A great insight into the life of John Muir.

I prefer to listen to biographies and autobiographies simply because I find them difficult to read. That being said this ranks among the best. John Muir lived an interesting life that, when read or heard in this case, is surprisingly motivating.

7 people found this helpful

Beautiful story and cause

Worster captures the life or Mr. Muir beautifully. Truly an inspiration to listen to his words. Great work.

4 people found this helpful

Great Book

Great story about John Muir's life. It is a long, but very interesting and enjoyable book.

4 people found this helpful

Informative, but too long.

If you could sum up A Passion for Nature in three words, what would they be?

Informative Comprehensive Dry

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It seemed like too large a portion of the novel dealt with Muir's adolescent years and a few historical tangents that didn't seem to add much for me. Perhaps the abridged edition would be just what the doctor ordered on this one?

4 people found this helpful

The High Priest of America’s Cathedrals...Her National Parks

I had read of John Muir often when referenced in other works, whether books, articles, nature shows, or as the author of my favorite catch phrase, “The Mountains are Calling, and I Must Go.”

Yet I knew little about him aside from his passion for nature and conservation. So I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about him in this book. He led such an incredible life and provided an example to us, partly because of his imperfections.

I can’t say I agree with all of his views. But I may have to find another biography to be sure. I detected hints of the author’s politics, but they were defined at the end when in the closing sentences the author took the time to take shots at today’s “conservatives” rather than focusing solely on Mr. Muir.

2 people found this helpful

Brilliant and comprehensive. Best if the Best!!

I cannot express how impressed I am by this book. I bought the audiobook version but also bought the print version as well for myself and friends...
never have i heard the Muir story by such a profound author and researcher. This makes most other books on Muir secondary.
Please buy this book
Why? We are in an unprecedented attack on our pass and their treasures and heritage and legacy.
Once defaced by industry and mining and forestry we have lost tens of millions of years of evolutionary beauty and grace.
Let this book be a call to redouble our efforts to create even more national parks and reserves. Water and aquifers and rivers and forests and all the fauna and flora they contain.

The narration is excellent the best possible. I rated the narration a "5"
Thank you Daniel Worster for a true labor oil love and an artistic event.

1 person found this helpful

worth the time

anyone looking to find out more about the beginning of NP a must listen
amazing how the conversation about conservation and use is essentially unchanged in over 100 years

1 person found this helpful

Thorough if dry.

Unless you are a passionate devotee of Mr. Muir, brace yourself for an incredibly detailed accounting of his amazing life and influence on the environmental movement. The author provides us with intimate information about all of Mr.Muir's friends, family, journals, journeys, business endeavors and influences. I have friends about whom I know less. And while a history refresher is always welcome, a rehash of most presidential elections is overkill. If, however, you have been wondering what formed John Muir's life philosophy , this is the best book for you! Just be aware that the narrator's attempts to draw drama from minutiae create a somewhat uneven listening experience.

1 person found this helpful

Badly read

One of the worst readers ever - mispronunciations, incorrect emphasis throughout. Sloppy work!
However, the story is well written and well worth hearing

1 person found this helpful