John Muir was a Scottish-American naturalist and writer who pioneered the preservation of American wilderness. His essays and books, vividly recounting his adventures in nature, particularly the Sierra Nevada mountains, have captivated millions. Muir's activism was instrumental in establishing Yosemite National Park and other protected areas. His writings celebrated the spiritual essence of nature and advocated for wilderness preservation, profoundly shaping Americans' relationship with the natural world. His philosophy, extending beyond transcendentalism, emphasized the interconnectedness of humanity and the earth and fostered a deep respect for all life.
The nineteenth edition of this classic automotive manual helps dedicated VW owners fight the war against rust, body rot, and engine failure to keep their prized cars alive, with advice on caring for Bugs, Karmann Ghias, vans, and campers. Original. 30,000 first printing.
This deluxe, unabridged reprint Legacy Edition of John Muir's 1912 The Yosemite is part study of natural history, part travel guide of the majestic Yosemite Valley and National Park. Join the "Great Wanderer" Muir as he walks the trails of the Yosemite valley.
The Mountains of California (illustrated in B&W), Stickeen: The Story of a Dog, My First Summer in the Sierra (with index and B&W illustrations), The Story of My Boyhood and Yo
John Muir, a Scottish-born American naturalist, is celebrated for his profound writings on America's wilderness and his significant role in ecological activism. His efforts led to the preservation of numerous national parks, ensuring that future generations could appreciate nature's beauty. As the founder of the Sierra Club, he established one of the foremost conservation organizations in the U.S., cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the environmental movement.
The name of John Muir has come to stand for the protection of wild land and wilderness in both America and Britain. Born in Dunbar in the east of Scotland in 1838, Muir is famed as the father of American conservation, and as the first person to promote the idea of National Parks. Combining acute observation with a sense of inner discovery, Muir's writings of his travels through some of the greatest landscapes on Earth, including the Carolinas, Florida, Alaska and those lands which were to become the great National Parks of Yosemite and the Sierra Valley, raise an awareness of nature to a spiritual dimension.These journals provide a unique marriage of scientific survey of natural history with lyrical and often amusing anecdotes, retaining a freshness, intensity and brutal honesty which will amaze the modern reader. This collection, including the never-before-published "Stickeen", presents the finest of Muir's writings, and imparts a rounded portrait of a man whose generosity, passion, discipline and vision are an inspiration to this day.
The journey through the American South in 1867 reveals John Muir's deep appreciation for nature and the diverse communities he encountered post-Civil War. Drawing from his diaries, Muir offers a vivid portrayal of the landscapes and towns, showcasing his lyrical writing style. This travelogue not only highlights the transformative power of exploration but also emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural world. Enhanced by original sketches and a biographical note, this edition invites readers to connect with Muir's enduring legacy.
Set against the backdrop of Alaska's glaciers, this memoir recounts the adventurous journey of naturalist John Muir and his unexpected companion, a small dog named Stickeen. Initially hesitant, their bond deepens as they confront perilous conditions and navigate the challenges of the icy wilderness. The story beautifully captures themes of friendship, survival, and the spirit of adventure, making it a beloved classic for dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This edition features premium acid-free paper, enhancing its enduring appeal.
‘How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains! To behold this alone is worth the pains of any excursion a thousand times over.’ John Muir is known internationally for his dedication to protecting the environment and for founding The Sierra Club in 1892. His first book, as Muir authority Terry Gifford writes in the foreword, ‘became the bible of the fledgling Sierra Club, which is now a major national environmental activists’ organisation with branches in every corner of America’.The Mountains of California not only details Muir’s visits to the magnificent mountains along the Sierra Nevada Range, which he affectionately calls ‘The Range of Light’, but also the stunning glaciers, forests and landscapes that he encounters: ‘Climbing higher, I saw for the first time the gradual dwarfing of the pines in compliance with climate … patches of the dwarf vaccinium with its round flowers sprinkled in the grass like purple hail; while in every direction the landscape stretched sublimely away in fresh wildness: a manuscript written by the hand of nature alone.’Throughout the book, Muir’s philosophy of nature’s ability to soothe and amaze is evident. He heart-warmingly discusses at length how his encounters with animals, such as the Douglas squirrel, cheered him so. This is a truly beautiful read; Muir’s writing, embedded with emotion, wit, and at times, humour, will never fail to speak to his reader.The enthusiasm contained within these pages is infectious, and as well as making a powerful read, Muir will inspire you, too, to ‘come and see’ the innumerable delights that nature can offer: ‘The best words only hint at [California’s] charms. Come to the mountains and see.’