This Wild Spirit: Women in the Rocky Mountains of Canada

by Colleen Skidmore (Editor)

In 1912, Mary Vaux, a botanist, glaciologist, painter, and photographer, wrote about her mountain "A day on the trail, or a scramble over the glacier, or even with a quiet day in camp to get things in order for the morrow's conquests? Some how when once this wild spirit enters the blood...I can hardly wait to be off again." Vaux's compulsion was shared by many women whose intellects, imaginations, and spirits rose to the challenge of the mountains between the late-nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries. This Wild Spirit explores a sampling of women's creative responses―in fiction and travel writing, photographs and paintings, embroidery and beadwork, letters and diaries, poetry and posters―to their experiences in the Rocky Mountains of Canada.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada

508 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2002

Reviews

[Florence Gedge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nearing a year since a beautiful friend made it possible for me to see the mountains and glacial waters of the Rockies. I’m finally finishing this book that follows the history of women breaking boundaries and climbing these cliffs and documenting the flora and fauna. Imagine not only what it felt like to break free from societal expectations but also to stand upon a mountain that perhaps no one else has ever step foot on! It must have been very empowering. It was difficult to read and stay focused at times due to the text book nature, but very informative and inspiring.

[KendraLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of the history, experiences, and creations of the women who explored and pioneered the Canadian Rockies. Having just moved to Jasper, Alberta, I enjoyed reading about the history of my new home, making my surroundings and activities all the more rich with meaning.

[Sibel SkO · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a neat find in the new public library in my neck of the woods. So funny to read what what hiking was like back in 1904. Especially loved the section on Hunting with your Husband. Such strong women.