Showing results for "John Muir" in World

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.

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.

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)

This set of six talks reveals a lesser-known side of Thomas Merton: an eminent critic and teacher of literature. His dual identity as a monk and literati make him the premier guide to poetic expression. As you listen along, you will enjoy moments of penetrating insight and reflection as often as moments of levity and laughter.

Join nature enthusiast John Muir as he embarks on a transformative journey through California’s breathtaking Sierra Nevada range during the summer of 1869. From the picturesque landscapes of French Bar to the serene shores of Mono Lake and the majestic Yosemite Valley, Muir was captivated by the wonders of the natural world. He marveled at the intricate lives of the smallest “insect people” and found inspiration in the resilience of ancient Juniper trees clinging to life in the most unlikely places. This recording not only celebrates the 140th anniversary of that remarkable ...

Join John Muir on an exhilarating journey through Yosemite Valley, where adventure and nature intertwine. Discover the wonders of the great outdoors as Muir shares his captivating insights and experiences in this enchanting guide.

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...

Join naturalist and adventurer John Muir as he vividly recounts the gripping tale of his journey with his loyal dog, Stickeen, as they confront their fears on a treacherous Alaskan glacier in 1880. This captivating story of bravery and companionship will leave you inspired and in awe of the natural world. (Summary by Sue Anderson)

In the heart of a Wisconsin pioneer farm in the 1850s, young John Muir recounts a childhood marked by struggle and resilience. With a kitchen stove that barely warmed the home, Muir paints a vivid picture of life for his family of ten, all huddled together in the biting cold. Uprooted from a comfortable life in Dunbar, Scotland, Muirs father, a strict religious fundamentalist, imposed a harsh doctrine of self-denial that clashed with Johns secret love for poetry and literature. Lacking formal education, John turned to nature for wisdom, observing the changing seasons, the farm animals, and the...

Join John Muir on his remarkable journey to Alaska in 1879, where the awe-inspiring living glaciers ignited his passion for exploration and science. These majestic ice formations served as a vital backdrop for Muir to validate his groundbreaking theories on glacial action. He returned time and again to this breathtaking laboratory of landscapes, ultimately dedicating the final months of his life to crafting his reflections on these travels. The most famous tide-water glacier now proudly bears his name, a testament to his enduring legacy. (Summary by William Frederic Bade)

Dive into a captivating collection of John Muirs previously unpublished essays, released shortly after his passing. This volume is sure to fulfill the high expectations of Muir’s devoted readers. Experience the thrill of his harrowing night on the summit of Mount Shasta, a tale that ranks among the most exhilarating of his adventures. Muirs reflections on the abandoned towns of Nevada and the Native Americans harvesting pine nuts evoke a vanishing chapter of Western life that remains largely uncharted in American literature. The breathtaking landscapes Muir encountered now exist mainly ...

At stake in 1896 was the new idea that some landscapes should be collectively, permanently owned by a democratic government. Although many people today think of public lands as an American birthright, their very existence was then in doubt and dependent on a merger of the talents of these two men. Natural Rivals examines a time of environmental threat and political dysfunction not unlike our own and reveals the complex dynamic that gave birth to America’s rich public lands legacy.