Showing results for "John Muir" in History

It was June of 1869 when John Muir reluctantly accepted a job herding sheep from the central valley of California to the headwaters of the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers, high into the Sierra Nevadas and deep into the Yosemite region. He felt ill equipped for the work, and yet the opportunity thrilled his adventurous spirit. With a notebook tied to his belt, he set out for a summer he would never forget. My First Summer in the Sierra is Muir’s classic account of that extraordinary journey.

Journey into the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada with John Muir, the legendary naturalist whose observations and writings helped inspire America’s conservation movement. In The Yosemite, Muir explores the magnificent landscapes of Yosemite Valley, bringing its towering granite domes...

Part of John Muir's appeal to modern audiences is that he not only explored the American West and wrote about its beauties but also fought for their preservation. His successes dot the landscape and are evident in all the natural features that bear his name: forests, lakes, trails, and glaciers. Here collected are some of Muir's finest wilderness essays, ranging in subject matter from Alaska to Yellowstone, from Oregon to the High Sierra. 

"I am hopelessly and forever a mountaineer," John Muir wrote. "Civilization and fever and all the morbidness that has been hooted at me has not dimmed my glacial eye, and I care to live only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness. My own special self is nothing". In Donald Worster's magisterial biography, John Muir's "special self" is fully explored as is his extraordinary ability, then and now, to get others to see the sacred beauty of the natural world.

Discovering the Beauty and Fragility of the Natural World: A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf. Written by John Muir, one of America’s greatest naturalists, the book captures his deep appreciation for nature as he explores the American South.

John Muir (1838 -1914) was an influential Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness areas in the United States. In the late 1800s, Muir made several trips to the relatively unexplored territory of Alaska. Travels in Alaska, originally published in 1915, describes the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness and its inhabitants as observed during his travels between 1879 and 1890. In poetic prose, he describes the area’s magnificent glaciers and its animals like bears, bald eagles, wolves and whales.

John Muir has left a mark on history in a way that is quite unique. There are very few people whose powerful love for nature has caused such a truly lasting impact as his. While his early childhood was largely what one would consider normal in Scotland, a life changing event while working in a factory, which nearly blinded him, caused John to totally change the direction of his life. He suddenly found great beauty in every moment, and especially nature and the outdoors.

For two years, Scots-born John Muir lived in a small cabin along the Yosemite creek, observing the valley's natural beauty and reading Emerson under the stars. The experience forged a lifelong affinity with the site, which would result in its establishment as a national park in 1890. Originally written as a guidebook to the park, The Yosemite describes every aspect of wildlife and landscape that one might encounter there.

Step into the extraordinary world of John Muir, the renowned naturalist and author celebrated as the Father of the US National Parks. In this poignant short piece, written later in his life for Century Magazine, Muir invites us to wander alongside him, unhurried, through the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon. Here, amidst its splendor, lies the essence of what every life craves. Muirs words envelop us, transporting us to a time long past while urging us to explore the vibrant life that surrounds us today. Together, we enrich our own existence by immersing ourselves in the wonders of ...

This insightful collection features two essays, each penned by a distinguished author, exploring the rich histories of Hinduism and Islam. Delving into the contrasts with Christianity, these essays provide a thought-provoking examination of these major world religions. Originally part of the early 1900s curriculum for the C.L.S.C. (Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle), this book remains a valuable resource for understanding faith and culture. (Summary by Scientila)

Travels in Alaska is a memorable travelogue. The forward comes from Daniel Lee Henry who discusses Muir's charge of heart with the racism of his time after his encounter with Chilkat and Chilkoot Tlingit Tribes. Muir's commentary ranges from observations on the geology of Glacier Bay to the history and culture of the Chinook people to his discovery of the great glacier subsequently named for him. The naturalist captures the region's grandeur and beauty with the same fervor he expressed for the Sierras, making this audiobook a must for nature lovers and adventurous travelers.

In the late 1800s, John Muir made several trips to the pristine, relatively unexplored territory of Alaska, irresistibly drawn to its awe-inspiring glaciers and its wild menagerie of bears, bald eagles, wolves, and whales. Half poet and half geologist, he recorded his experiences and reflections...

In this poetic audiobook, hear the words of legendary outdoorsman John Muir's entreaty to the American people imploring them to develop, as he did, a connection to their national parks. An ardent outdoorsman, a gifted writer, a dedicated preservationist, and a spiritual beacon, John Muir worked in his life and in his writing to inspire everyone to find a love for the wilderness and to become invested in its preservation.

The naturalist, author, and advocate for preservation, John Muir (1838-1914) was also known as "John of the Mountains" and "Father of the National Parks". In the spring of 1869, John Muir was looking for ways to fund his explorations of California’s Central Valley region, when a ranch owner offered him a job herding sheep in the Sierra Nevada. In The Yosemite, Muir chronicled his experiences of the beautiful wilderness in appealingly descriptive prose. The audiobook is a treasure trove of portrayals of the shifting phases of the year in Yosemite.

Join us on a captivating walking tour through the stunning Cañon of the south fork of King’s River in California. Originally published in the Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine in 1881-82, this article features a collection of beautiful charcoal illustrations that bring the majestic landscape to life. Discover the visionary ideas of John Muir, who inspired the establishment of what would become Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, officially designated by Congress on October 1, 1890. This piece not only highlights the natural beauty of the area but also reflects the early conservation ...

Discover the extraordinary legacy of John Muir (1838–1914), one of the pioneers of modern preservationism. His captivating letters, essays, and books recounting his adventures in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountains have inspired millions and continue to resonate today. Muirs passionate activism played a crucial role in the preservation of Yosemite Valley and other pristine wilderness areas. As the founder of the Sierra Club, he established one of the most significant conservation organizations in the United States. His profound writings and philosophy laid the groundwork for the modern ...

John Muir: The Life and Legacy of America’s Most Famous Conservationist examines the legendary career of one of the country’s most influential figures. You will learn about John Muir like never before.

John Muir (1838-1914) was an influential naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and advocate for the preservation of wilderness areas in the United States. In 1869, Muir traveled to California and spent a long time in the area that is now the Yosemite National Park. This narrative takes the form of a hiking guide filled with adventure. Muir was a master of description, providing stirring portraits of the area’s wildlife, waterfalls, valleys, meadows, giant sequoias groves, lakes, mountains, and glaciers. 

Embark on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Americas western national parks with this captivating collection of sketches. First published in the Atlantic Monthly magazine and compiled into book form in 1901, this work highlights four iconic parks. Dive into the wonders of Yosemite National Park, where six of the ten articles are dedicated to its majestic beauty, alongside vivid descriptions of Yellowstone, Sequoia, and the once-known General Grant National Park, now Kings Canyon. - Summary by TriciaG

In Wongo And The Wise Old Crow, we delve into the formative years of John Muir at the University of Wisconsin, where he often sought solace at the home of Dr. Ezra S. Carr. The warmth and encouragement he received from Mrs. Carr, a passionate botanist and nature enthusiast, sparked a profound friendship that Muir cherished deeply, referring to her as his spiritual mother. This connection is beautifully captured in Muirs heartfelt letters to her, penned from the breathtaking Yosemite Valley. Through these writings, we gain an intimate glimpse into Muirs life as he juggled sheep-herding, guiding...