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The Wild Muir: Twenty-Two of John Muir's Greatest Adventures
Here is an entertaining collection of John Muir’s most exciting adventures, representing some of his finest writing. From the famous avalanche ride off the rim of Yosemite Valley to his night spent weathering a windstorm at the top of a tree to death-defying falls on Alaskan glaciers, the renowned outdoorsman’s exploits are related in passages that are by turns exhilarating, unnerving, dizzying, and outrageous.
211 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1994
215 people are currently reading
3171 people want to read
About the author
John Muir
596 books1,424 followersJohn Muir (1838 – 1914) was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, and early advocate of preservation of wilderness in the United States. His letters, essays, and books telling of his adventures in nature, especially in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, have been read by millions. His activism helped to preserve the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and other wilderness areas. The Sierra Club, which he founded, is now one of the most important conservation organizations in the United States. One of the best-known hiking trails in the U.S., the 211-mile (340 km) John Muir Trail, was named in his honor. Other such places include Muir Woods National Monument, Muir Beach, John Muir College, Mount Muir, Camp Muir and Muir Glacier.
In his later life, Muir devoted most of his time to the preservation of the Western forests. He petitioned the U.S. Congress for the National Park bill that was passed in 1890, establishing Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. The spiritual quality and enthusiasm toward nature expressed in his writings inspired readers, including presidents and congressmen, to take action to help preserve large nature areas. He is today referred to as the "Father of the National Parks" and the National Park Service has produced a short documentary about his life.
Muir's biographer, Steven J. Holmes, believes that Muir has become "one of the patron saints of twentieth-century American environmental activity," both political and recreational. As a result, his writings are commonly discussed in books and journals, and he is often quoted by nature photographers such as Ansel Adams. "Muir has profoundly shaped the very categories through which Americans understand and envision their relationships with the natural world," writes Holmes. Muir was noted for being an ecological thinker, political spokesman, and religious prophet, whose writings became a personal guide into nature for countless individuals, making his name "almost ubiquitous" in the modern environmental consciousness. According to author William Anderson, Muir exemplified "the archetype of our oneness with the earth".
Muir was extremely fond of Henry David Thoreau and was probably influenced more by him than even Ralph Waldo Emerson. Muir often referred to himself as a "disciple" of Thoreau. He was also heavily influenced by fellow naturalist John Burroughs.
During his lifetime John Muir published over 300 articles and 12 books. He co-founded the Sierra Club, which helped establish a number of national parks after he died and today has over 1.3 million members. Author Gretel Ehrlich states that as a "dreamer and activist, his eloquent words changed the way Americans saw their mountains, forests, seashores, and deserts." He not only led the efforts to protect forest areas and have some designated as national parks, but his writings gave readers a conception of the relationship between "human culture and wild nature as one of humility and respect for all life," writes author Thurman Wilkins.
His philosophy exalted wild nature over human culture and civilization. Turner describes him as "a man who in his singular way rediscovered America. . . . an American pioneer, an American hero." Wilkins adds that a primary aim of Muir’s nature philosophy was to challenge mankind’s "enormous conceit," and in so doing, he moved beyond the Transcendentalism of Emerson and Thoreau to a "biocentric perspective on the world."
In the months after his death, many who knew Muir closely wrote about his influences.
In his later life, Muir devoted most of his time to the preservation of the Western forests. He petitioned the U.S. Congress for the National Park bill that was passed in 1890, establishing Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. The spiritual quality and enthusiasm toward nature expressed in his writings inspired readers, including presidents and congressmen, to take action to help preserve large nature areas. He is today referred to as the "Father of the National Parks" and the National Park Service has produced a short documentary about his life.
Muir's biographer, Steven J. Holmes, believes that Muir has become "one of the patron saints of twentieth-century American environmental activity," both political and recreational. As a result, his writings are commonly discussed in books and journals, and he is often quoted by nature photographers such as Ansel Adams. "Muir has profoundly shaped the very categories through which Americans understand and envision their relationships with the natural world," writes Holmes. Muir was noted for being an ecological thinker, political spokesman, and religious prophet, whose writings became a personal guide into nature for countless individuals, making his name "almost ubiquitous" in the modern environmental consciousness. According to author William Anderson, Muir exemplified "the archetype of our oneness with the earth".
Muir was extremely fond of Henry David Thoreau and was probably influenced more by him than even Ralph Waldo Emerson. Muir often referred to himself as a "disciple" of Thoreau. He was also heavily influenced by fellow naturalist John Burroughs.
During his lifetime John Muir published over 300 articles and 12 books. He co-founded the Sierra Club, which helped establish a number of national parks after he died and today has over 1.3 million members. Author Gretel Ehrlich states that as a "dreamer and activist, his eloquent words changed the way Americans saw their mountains, forests, seashores, and deserts." He not only led the efforts to protect forest areas and have some designated as national parks, but his writings gave readers a conception of the relationship between "human culture and wild nature as one of humility and respect for all life," writes author Thurman Wilkins.
His philosophy exalted wild nature over human culture and civilization. Turner describes him as "a man who in his singular way rediscovered America. . . . an American pioneer, an American hero." Wilkins adds that a primary aim of Muir’s nature philosophy was to challenge mankind’s "enormous conceit," and in so doing, he moved beyond the Transcendentalism of Emerson and Thoreau to a "biocentric perspective on the world."
In the months after his death, many who knew Muir closely wrote about his influences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
June 8, 2011
Purchased as an impulse at some park bookstore in the past couple of years, I am so glad I finally sat down to finish this book! It's like a box of chocolates, packed with novel delights - each just as delicious as the other, making it hard to decide which you like best. The book lacks the excessive, hyperbole laden introductions that typically accompany this sort of thing. The editor includes a brief paragraph or two to introduce each selection and provide context, along with a nice timeline of Muir's life at the back.
There's even the inclusion of an article written by a man who accompanied Muir on a hike - and another report showing someone else's view of the same incident. All in all, showing that Muir's physical fitness must have been quite unusual even for today because he rarely mentions any difficulties on climbs and gives the appearance to the onlooker of a fleet footed gazelle prone to bouts of "amatory botany." It's funny - I rather had a picture of Muir as somewhat kin of Doctor Who - very intelligent, constantly moving and going and exploring, not really getting upset or stressed out about any scraps: falling ass over teakettle and knocking himself senseless or going snowblind didn't seem to upset him. All the while admiring, enthusiastically appreciating and overflowing with joy at the amazing lovely wonderful things around him.
I think one of my favorite stories was about the tree ride because I share this fascination with wind and could totally see the movement of the trees he described. I most envy his description of the aurora borealis events - never having seen one. The little dog going along on the hike was a fantastic tale, too. I quite relished his constant descriptions of the quality of light - and the anthropomorphization - describing "badgers, marmots and other small people who live on the mountain."
Now, I wish I could hear his voice - so I am going to have to go find some proper Scottish indie films to get that in my head for the next time I read something by Muir.
There's even the inclusion of an article written by a man who accompanied Muir on a hike - and another report showing someone else's view of the same incident. All in all, showing that Muir's physical fitness must have been quite unusual even for today because he rarely mentions any difficulties on climbs and gives the appearance to the onlooker of a fleet footed gazelle prone to bouts of "amatory botany." It's funny - I rather had a picture of Muir as somewhat kin of Doctor Who - very intelligent, constantly moving and going and exploring, not really getting upset or stressed out about any scraps: falling ass over teakettle and knocking himself senseless or going snowblind didn't seem to upset him. All the while admiring, enthusiastically appreciating and overflowing with joy at the amazing lovely wonderful things around him.
I think one of my favorite stories was about the tree ride because I share this fascination with wind and could totally see the movement of the trees he described. I most envy his description of the aurora borealis events - never having seen one. The little dog going along on the hike was a fantastic tale, too. I quite relished his constant descriptions of the quality of light - and the anthropomorphization - describing "badgers, marmots and other small people who live on the mountain."
Now, I wish I could hear his voice - so I am going to have to go find some proper Scottish indie films to get that in my head for the next time I read something by Muir.
May 30, 2019
John Muir was an amazing, adventurous naturalist. His descriptions are extremely detailed and at times stunningly beautiful.
However, they can go on to a point of mild tedium. I’m not a big fan of short stories, but the brief adventures were the best way to experience the most Muir.
It was also a great way to cure insomnia. This book took me forever to finish because every time I read it at night, I quickly fell asleep. Finally finished today, as I read it in the afternoon.
Would read more Muir in the future after a nice long break.
However, they can go on to a point of mild tedium. I’m not a big fan of short stories, but the brief adventures were the best way to experience the most Muir.
It was also a great way to cure insomnia. This book took me forever to finish because every time I read it at night, I quickly fell asleep. Finally finished today, as I read it in the afternoon.
Would read more Muir in the future after a nice long break.
April 14, 2015
Did you know Muir rode an avalanche, or that he tried to charge a cinnamon bear to see what its gait would look like (later realising this was 'rude')? Did you know he spent the night at the top of a mountain with a companion, waiting out a terrible storm and freezing conditions by lying in a fumarole which scorched the skin off their backs?
Well now you know only a tiny bit about this wild man. His writing for one is hard to beat. Beautiful flights of Calvinistic joy (weird combination there) on every form of nature he encountered.
Well now you know only a tiny bit about this wild man. His writing for one is hard to beat. Beautiful flights of Calvinistic joy (weird combination there) on every form of nature he encountered.
January 1, 2020
John Muir is an amazing human. The National Parks we enjoy today are largely the fruit of his (and Teddy Roosevelt's) initiative. The book is not amazing, but the short little chapters about aspects of Muir's life paint a picture of a highly intriguing human being. For instance, in Yosemite Valley, Muir built a cabin for the winter in which he'd live, write, and study (which, by the way, sounds like an amazing way to live). He so loved the sound of babbling brooks, that he diverted a small portion of the Merced River to run through the living space in his cabin. I'm not sure how this worked out in winter time, but it's a cool idea that I'd like to tinker with someday. I also enjoyed the chapter of him riding on top of an avalanche and living to tell the tale.
March 3, 2023
pre-read for 2022-2023 edu year. this would make an excellent read aloud during Gather time- adventurous & mostly short chapters. many places of beautiful writing- Law made me want to get outside… I hope he inspires my children to do the same!
December 4, 2020
Not as poetic as some of his writing, but these tales, taken directly from his journals and letters, showcase his amazing adventurous spirit and fearlessness.
May 2, 2025
John Muir is a kindred spirit.
February 28, 2013
What an incredible individual John Muir was! His adventures are truly inspiring and his attitude toward himself and nature, positively joyful. I particularly enjoyed learning about Muir through the eyes of others (though most of this book is in Muir's own words, of course), who presented him as foolhardy (in a good way) and full of childlike wonder.
Some of his nature writing was a bit tedious for me to get through, but that is only due to my shortcomings as a reader. Because I am unfamiliar with so many of the landforms he describes, I had a hard time picturing a great number of the scenes. Still, I would recommend this book to anyone with a love for nature and an interest in one of America's greatest naturalists.
Some of his nature writing was a bit tedious for me to get through, but that is only due to my shortcomings as a reader. Because I am unfamiliar with so many of the landforms he describes, I had a hard time picturing a great number of the scenes. Still, I would recommend this book to anyone with a love for nature and an interest in one of America's greatest naturalists.
December 12, 2019
John Muir was one of the first people to advocate for the preservation wild, beautiful spaces-- which succeeded largely in part due to his beautifully descriptive writings, describing the epic beauties of the world. His prose reads like poetry; I thoroughly enjoyed reading his epic, and at times reckless, tales of his totally submission to nature.
As far as collections go, I enjoyed the chronological progression of his life throughout the book, and appreciated the different samplings of his essays throughout. I would definitely recommend this read, especially if in Yosemite-- or are willing to envision yourself being so. The latest of these stories was in reference to an adventure he took in 1890-- and his words, thoughts, and comments on and about the world, hold just as much weight to this day.
----
On his plan to wait to investigate a dangerous mountain until the following summer: "I would only approach the mountain now, and inspect it, creep about its flanks, learn what I could of its history, holding myself ready to flee on the approach of the first storm-cloud. But we little know until tried how much of the uncontrollable there is in us, urging us across glaciers and torrents, and up dangerous heights, let the judgement forbid as it may."
---
Describing Yosemite Fall: "...I approached Yosemite Creek, admiring its easy, graceful, confident gestures as it comes bravely forward in its narrow channel, singing the last of its mountain songs on its way to its fate-- a few rods more over the shining granite, then down half a mile in showy foam to another world, to be lost in the Merced [river], where climate, vegetation, inhabitants, area ll different. Emerging from its last gorge, it glides in wide lace-like rapids down a smooth incline into a pool where it seems to rest and compose its gray, agitated waters before taking the grand plunge, then slowly slipping over the lip of the pool basin, it descends another glossy slope with rapidly accelerated speed to the brink of the tremendous cliff, and with sublime, fateful confidence springs out free in the air."
As far as collections go, I enjoyed the chronological progression of his life throughout the book, and appreciated the different samplings of his essays throughout. I would definitely recommend this read, especially if in Yosemite-- or are willing to envision yourself being so. The latest of these stories was in reference to an adventure he took in 1890-- and his words, thoughts, and comments on and about the world, hold just as much weight to this day.
----
On his plan to wait to investigate a dangerous mountain until the following summer: "I would only approach the mountain now, and inspect it, creep about its flanks, learn what I could of its history, holding myself ready to flee on the approach of the first storm-cloud. But we little know until tried how much of the uncontrollable there is in us, urging us across glaciers and torrents, and up dangerous heights, let the judgement forbid as it may."
---
Describing Yosemite Fall: "...I approached Yosemite Creek, admiring its easy, graceful, confident gestures as it comes bravely forward in its narrow channel, singing the last of its mountain songs on its way to its fate-- a few rods more over the shining granite, then down half a mile in showy foam to another world, to be lost in the Merced [river], where climate, vegetation, inhabitants, area ll different. Emerging from its last gorge, it glides in wide lace-like rapids down a smooth incline into a pool where it seems to rest and compose its gray, agitated waters before taking the grand plunge, then slowly slipping over the lip of the pool basin, it descends another glossy slope with rapidly accelerated speed to the brink of the tremendous cliff, and with sublime, fateful confidence springs out free in the air."
January 3, 2024
I loved reading this book. It is one of the most interesting books I've read narrating the adventures of a true nature lover. The passion for nature that Muir transmits in the pages is amazing and makes you want to go and have adventures yourself
I must warn that it has plenty of words and idioms that are either from a previous time or used to describe very specific elements of nature, which can make the reading difficult at times.
I must warn that it has plenty of words and idioms that are either from a previous time or used to describe very specific elements of nature, which can make the reading difficult at times.
June 6, 2025
This book contains 22 short stories written by John Muir of some of his greatest adventures. John Muir lived for nature. He had a wonderful and beautiful way of describing it. The stories are short, easy to read, and full of adventure. I recommend this for anyone who loves nature and adventures.
July 5, 2018
A great introduction to Muir’s work and life, complete with handy timeline and notes from Stetson for further context. What joyous, ecstatic prose. Definitely going to get some of the full works!
September 22, 2025
This is a great introduction to Muir. Highly recommend!
February 28, 2021
His writings just come across as pure joy and love for the outdoors. When others recount his journeys and explorations, it is quite clear how truly remarkable and resilient this man was.
June 13, 2018
This book is a collection of exerts from Muir's writings which highlight dangerous situations he encountered and how he got out. These adventures act as a good introduction to his character. Besides the adventurousness per se, Muir gives exquisite descriptions of the areas he is traversing.
A great read for the adventurous.
A great read for the adventurous.
October 7, 2010
I didn't actually finish this book. It doesn't matter though. It's not the type of book that you read all in one sitting. And, for that matter, it may be that it's best digested one outing in the woods/in nature at a time. I took this on a weekend excursion into nature and read a couple of excerpts there. I'm pretty sure it's the most ecstatic I've felt in a long time, peaceful too. John Muir's descriptions of nature are the best I've ever read. It not only makes me appreciate the things he saw (things I haven't seen--though I've been in Yosemite, I didn't appreciate it enough while there), but also brings to life everything around me. I will definitely own this book soon and finish it, maybe out on a bench surrounded by trees.
I have felt my sense of adventure increasing in these past years. Now, especially after reading this book, I hunger for it. One comment I loved was within the story where John Muir climbed a pine tree during a storm just to feel what it would be like to be the pine tree. He claims that we aren't necessarily any more safe inside four walls than outside experiencing the storm. The descriptions he made of the light that he saw at the top of the pine tree are beyond the beyond.
I have felt my sense of adventure increasing in these past years. Now, especially after reading this book, I hunger for it. One comment I loved was within the story where John Muir climbed a pine tree during a storm just to feel what it would be like to be the pine tree. He claims that we aren't necessarily any more safe inside four walls than outside experiencing the storm. The descriptions he made of the light that he saw at the top of the pine tree are beyond the beyond.
September 28, 2015
John Muir was a monumental figure to anyone who loves the outdoors: naturalist, adventurer, preservationist, and skilled mountaineer. Muir re-enactor Lee Stetson compiled some of his most hair-raising tales in The Wild Muir: Twenty-Two of John Muir's Greatest Adventures. Stetson introduces each story with a paragraph that places it within the context of Muir's life.
The stories follow Muir from his childhood in Scotland, through the hardscrabble family farming in Wisconsin, then to Florida, then California and Alaska. Most of the prose is from his books and letters, with occasional contrasting voices from his travel companions. The passages by others show that, if anything, Muir tended to understate the danger and adventure of his undertakings!
Muir's love for nature comes through very clearly, and he had a gift for evocative phrasing. Stetson edited the text to remove some of the more lengthy descriptions in favor of the adventure theme, making this volume less contemplative than Muir sometimes is. I'm glad that I read some of this book by headlamp in a tent; it just seems made for that setting.
Illustrator Fiona King contributed gorgeous woodcut-style illustrations that are perfect for this volume.
The stories follow Muir from his childhood in Scotland, through the hardscrabble family farming in Wisconsin, then to Florida, then California and Alaska. Most of the prose is from his books and letters, with occasional contrasting voices from his travel companions. The passages by others show that, if anything, Muir tended to understate the danger and adventure of his undertakings!
Muir's love for nature comes through very clearly, and he had a gift for evocative phrasing. Stetson edited the text to remove some of the more lengthy descriptions in favor of the adventure theme, making this volume less contemplative than Muir sometimes is. I'm glad that I read some of this book by headlamp in a tent; it just seems made for that setting.
Illustrator Fiona King contributed gorgeous woodcut-style illustrations that are perfect for this volume.
July 29, 2017
i love john muir. he is a beast. some of his feats, i know no human today who could endure what he endured. one of my favorite historical figures.
October 24, 2011
This book does more than fulfill its purpose as given in the introduction "...simply to provide the reader a rousing good time." Everyone who loves a national park in the American West should read this book. Reading these stories of adventure, in the words of John Muir with a couple of selections from people who witnessed some of the same events with Muir, gave me a richer insight into Muir's character and personality than I could gain from any history book. I was interested in learning more about John Muir after viewing Ken Burn's National Parks documentary, and I'm glad this is the book I chose to read. The actor, Lee Stetson, who performed in the documentary as John Muir is the same who collected and published the stories in this book. I'm looking forward to discussing the adventures of John Muir with the members of my book club next month.
January 17, 2017
If you want a more vivid, awe-inspired account of life as a mountaineer and sublime descriptions of nature, you need not look further than the immortal words of John Muir. This collection of stories from his journals and various publications is the perfect appetizer; a launching point of discovery for the many the great adventures and annals of the man and legend.
I knew a little of Muir and his association with Yosemite Valley and other National Reserves, but had no idea his writing would match his many harrowing and humbling adventures. As a writer, his inspired descriptions will inform my own work for years to come--and his view of the natural world has forever altered my own perceptions forever.
I knew a little of Muir and his association with Yosemite Valley and other National Reserves, but had no idea his writing would match his many harrowing and humbling adventures. As a writer, his inspired descriptions will inform my own work for years to come--and his view of the natural world has forever altered my own perceptions forever.
February 23, 2018
A compilation of the craziest things Muir has done, making it both my comprehensive bucket list (many of which I’ve crossed off) and a lifetime favorite.
It’s really lovely to find someone who adores the Sierras as deeply as you do, even if they did die a long time ago.
It’s really lovely to find someone who adores the Sierras as deeply as you do, even if they did die a long time ago.
April 22, 2015
Interesting book for those of us who love nature and the wilderness. Great stories from a great man.
February 7, 2022
It's a regular quest of mine to search for quotes about wildlife and nature and my favourites are those that have a spiritual essence. It was during this quest that John Muir's quotes appeared many times. And they seemed to be within a context relating to God's creations. This developed a thirst to read more about his expeditions, and so I picked up a copy of The Wild Muir.
If you are ever caught up in a lockdown, I definitely recommend this as material and a portal that will free you. The Wild Muir is truly wild, you will be caught up in a rollercoaster of adventures, that will take you rising ,falling and gazing captivated. Sometimes you are so much in the eye of the storm of Muir's experience that it's difficult to get your bearings or a perspective but that just adds to the dizzying heights of the experience. It is frightening , hair-raising , and thrilling.
Muir's fearlessness and careful measure take him on some truly thrilling and exhilarating adventures. The book wakes you up and brings you to life. It's so interesting to get an idea of the kind of mindset it takes for a person to be driven to discover in such a death defying way. And he does, through the Americas. No matter what obstacles he comes across, he is never deterred. Each page is fizzing with activity and his descriptions are enchanting and pure. When he describes the auroras, it is with such elated joy and childlike delight.
The book is a collection of excerpts from his memoirs, arranged in chronological order.
My favourite excerpt was Stickeen, the little dog who decided he would like to be an explorer too.He followed Muir on one of his adventures and Muir's tender companionship with this little friend is really heartwarming. Stickeen,like Muir , is curious and fearless.
In his writing, it is clear how passionate and dedicated he is to nature. We feel his heart skipping joyously as he describes the flowers and wildlife he encounters. His encounter with a bear is also smile-making, comical and charming.
In these writings though, I only found one paragraph that put what he was seeing in nature as the work of God's creation and it was magnificent but I really wanted more of that.
It's really interesting to read the Reverend Young's account of his expedition with Muir because it gives us a perspective of him and how he appeared. He seemed to come across as whimsical, passionate about nature, loyal to his fellow man, fast thinking, excitable and charismatic. Through the Reverend Young's account, we get a unique insight and clarity into Muir and it's also interesting to read the expedition from someone who isn't a seasoned explorer.
The Wild Muir is a wash of cold water to the face and is life affirming, rejuvenating and invigorating. It allows us to venture vicariously through his gripping explorations.
If you are ever caught up in a lockdown, I definitely recommend this as material and a portal that will free you. The Wild Muir is truly wild, you will be caught up in a rollercoaster of adventures, that will take you rising ,falling and gazing captivated. Sometimes you are so much in the eye of the storm of Muir's experience that it's difficult to get your bearings or a perspective but that just adds to the dizzying heights of the experience. It is frightening , hair-raising , and thrilling.
Muir's fearlessness and careful measure take him on some truly thrilling and exhilarating adventures. The book wakes you up and brings you to life. It's so interesting to get an idea of the kind of mindset it takes for a person to be driven to discover in such a death defying way. And he does, through the Americas. No matter what obstacles he comes across, he is never deterred. Each page is fizzing with activity and his descriptions are enchanting and pure. When he describes the auroras, it is with such elated joy and childlike delight.
The book is a collection of excerpts from his memoirs, arranged in chronological order.
My favourite excerpt was Stickeen, the little dog who decided he would like to be an explorer too.He followed Muir on one of his adventures and Muir's tender companionship with this little friend is really heartwarming. Stickeen,like Muir , is curious and fearless.
In his writing, it is clear how passionate and dedicated he is to nature. We feel his heart skipping joyously as he describes the flowers and wildlife he encounters. His encounter with a bear is also smile-making, comical and charming.
In these writings though, I only found one paragraph that put what he was seeing in nature as the work of God's creation and it was magnificent but I really wanted more of that.
It's really interesting to read the Reverend Young's account of his expedition with Muir because it gives us a perspective of him and how he appeared. He seemed to come across as whimsical, passionate about nature, loyal to his fellow man, fast thinking, excitable and charismatic. Through the Reverend Young's account, we get a unique insight and clarity into Muir and it's also interesting to read the expedition from someone who isn't a seasoned explorer.
The Wild Muir is a wash of cold water to the face and is life affirming, rejuvenating and invigorating. It allows us to venture vicariously through his gripping explorations.
February 10, 2021
This is a collection of John Muir's most harrowing near-death experiences by drowning, suffocating, industrial accident, disease, freezing, thirst, animal savagery and many, many long falls. And dammit, I left out "avalanche". You get the gist. He was stone-cold crazy and by all rights we never should have even heard of him, but he was the luckiest sumbitch ever walked over a mountain, so instead we get Legend. I gleaned a surfeit of mountain wisdom that I'll take with me when next I roam, like how a mouthful of bitter leaves will quell your giddiness, you can stare down a bear, and if you're ever caught in an avalanche, the key is to not die.
This was the book I ended up taking with me on my last backpacking adventure. I must admit I was sorely tempted to bring Alive and a big, fat Donner Party book, if only for the hilarious photo op at 13,000 feet (me, with the books, smiling, a still hand and arm poking into the frame at my feet) and actually regretted not doing so until about day four when I was full of too much breakfast and thinking about eating the last Pop-Tart before going over the next pass, in order to reduce my pack weight—I held the toaster pastry in my hand and tossed it lightly several times to gauge the impact it would have on each step, and wow, it was nontrivial. So I forced it down and was instantly glad I brought the lighter—though perhaps less funny—text.*
Recommended, if only to experience irrefutable proof that John Muir was actually an avatar of Loki.
*Yeah, the total weight of the system is the same whether you eat the Pop-Tart or not, but as the saying goes, easier to carry in the stomach than on the back.
This was the book I ended up taking with me on my last backpacking adventure. I must admit I was sorely tempted to bring Alive and a big, fat Donner Party book, if only for the hilarious photo op at 13,000 feet (me, with the books, smiling, a still hand and arm poking into the frame at my feet) and actually regretted not doing so until about day four when I was full of too much breakfast and thinking about eating the last Pop-Tart before going over the next pass, in order to reduce my pack weight—I held the toaster pastry in my hand and tossed it lightly several times to gauge the impact it would have on each step, and wow, it was nontrivial. So I forced it down and was instantly glad I brought the lighter—though perhaps less funny—text.*
Recommended, if only to experience irrefutable proof that John Muir was actually an avatar of Loki.
*Yeah, the total weight of the system is the same whether you eat the Pop-Tart or not, but as the saying goes, easier to carry in the stomach than on the back.
September 16, 2023
John Muir was clearly possessed by an ancient spirit in the Sierra Nevada that infused him with infinite enthusiasm for the mountains. In his own words Muir often downplays the outrageousness of his exploits, but when you look into some of the mountaineering he was doing (be it Tenaya Canyon in Yosemite, Mount Shasta, or his various Alaska adventures), he comes across like a 19th century Alex Honnold, free-soloing massive canyon walls with no equipment, often only carrying a pocket full of bread for food. What the hell.
Perhaps the best insight into Muir's character and his mountaineering skills is the independent account of John Muir saving S Hall Young's life. While climbing with Muir on Glenora Peak in Alaska, S Hall Young dislocated both of his shoulders near the summit, and Muir was tasked with essentially carrying Young down the mountain, traversing steep cliffs. At one point Young describes Muir as holding him "by his teeth as a panther her cub."
I found this passage particularly moving:
“All that night this man of steel and lightning worked, never resting a minute, doing the work of three men, helping me along the slopes, easing me down the rocks, pulling me up cliffs, dashing water on me when I grew faint with the pain; and always cheery, full of talk and anecdote, cracking jokes with me, infusing me with his own indominitable spirit. He was eyes, hands, feet, and ears to me - my caretaker, in whome I trusted absolutely. My eyes brim with tears even now when I think of his utter self-abandon as he ministered to my infirmities."
Perhaps the best insight into Muir's character and his mountaineering skills is the independent account of John Muir saving S Hall Young's life. While climbing with Muir on Glenora Peak in Alaska, S Hall Young dislocated both of his shoulders near the summit, and Muir was tasked with essentially carrying Young down the mountain, traversing steep cliffs. At one point Young describes Muir as holding him "by his teeth as a panther her cub."
I found this passage particularly moving:
“All that night this man of steel and lightning worked, never resting a minute, doing the work of three men, helping me along the slopes, easing me down the rocks, pulling me up cliffs, dashing water on me when I grew faint with the pain; and always cheery, full of talk and anecdote, cracking jokes with me, infusing me with his own indominitable spirit. He was eyes, hands, feet, and ears to me - my caretaker, in whome I trusted absolutely. My eyes brim with tears even now when I think of his utter self-abandon as he ministered to my infirmities."
April 23, 2020
This is a solid introduction to the life and works of John Muir, a remarkable human being from any perspective and in any era. The illustrations are evocative and appropriate to the rugged, western pioneer lifestyle that Muir embodied so well and in such a joyous way, devoid of the usual baggage since his focus was nature and not economic or imperial pursuits. Wildly ahead of his time, and the father of the conservation movement, his devotion to nature is equalled by his elegant writing style and Stetson does a good job curating the best events of Muir's explorations and adventures while also linking them with enough autobiographical content to not only give context to each one, but a sense of Muir's development as a human being. The arc of Muir as a character is beautiful, told as it is through sights that anyone could see if they walked far enough or long enough, but only Muir could see his way. The book ends long before Muir's life does, but the final chapter is breathtakingly perfect and leaves us the way we would want to be left- with stars and the aurora borealis glimmering overhead. A must read for conservation advocates, nature lovers, and anyone who seeks beauty without to answer the beauty within.
November 15, 2020
I have known for a while that I wanted to read some primary source John Muir, but didn't quite know where to start. I am glad that I started here.
I know the work of Lee Stetson from watching Ken Burns' The National Parks, so that definitely drew me to this. He has selected some the most amazing, and often death-defying, adventures that Muir experienced and wrote about in his lifetime. And he includes excellent and helpful introductions to them, as well as a helpful overall introduction and timeline at the end.
These stories are honestly so remarkable that they are hard to believe. But you see, thanks to Stetson's arrangement, that Muir's life prepared him to be the man that he was. His father worked him and his family so hard as he grew up that it is no wonder that he turned out to be so hardy, fearless, and intrepid as you see him later in life as a naturalist.
Muir is one of my personal American heroes, of course for how he really began the National Parks idea, but more than that for how he taught us about the essentialness of the beauty of God's creation for our souls' health. Muir was truly a modern day prophet, and you see that clearly in this excellent little book.
If you are looking for an adventure story out in nature, you can't do any better than this book.
I know the work of Lee Stetson from watching Ken Burns' The National Parks, so that definitely drew me to this. He has selected some the most amazing, and often death-defying, adventures that Muir experienced and wrote about in his lifetime. And he includes excellent and helpful introductions to them, as well as a helpful overall introduction and timeline at the end.
These stories are honestly so remarkable that they are hard to believe. But you see, thanks to Stetson's arrangement, that Muir's life prepared him to be the man that he was. His father worked him and his family so hard as he grew up that it is no wonder that he turned out to be so hardy, fearless, and intrepid as you see him later in life as a naturalist.
Muir is one of my personal American heroes, of course for how he really began the National Parks idea, but more than that for how he taught us about the essentialness of the beauty of God's creation for our souls' health. Muir was truly a modern day prophet, and you see that clearly in this excellent little book.
If you are looking for an adventure story out in nature, you can't do any better than this book.
July 6, 2019
John Muir's message to people is as relevant today, as it was when he was alive. In fact, it's more so, and it's more critical than ever before that we pay attention. Nature is the only thing that will truly heal our spirit, we should immerse ourselves, and protect it at all costs.
"Go now and then for fresh life...go up and away for life; be fleet! I know some will heed the warning. Most will not, so full of pagan slavery is the boasted freedom of the town, and those who need rest and clean snow and sky will be the last to move."
It was a joy to read this collection of his writing, especially as many of his adventures take place in areas I know and love- Mt Shasta, Mono Lake and of course Yosemite. His writing is so light-hearted, you can practically hear him whistling from the pages, despite the obvious dangers he found himself in.
A wild man, at one with the wildness of the Earth.
"Go now and then for fresh life...go up and away for life; be fleet! I know some will heed the warning. Most will not, so full of pagan slavery is the boasted freedom of the town, and those who need rest and clean snow and sky will be the last to move."
It was a joy to read this collection of his writing, especially as many of his adventures take place in areas I know and love- Mt Shasta, Mono Lake and of course Yosemite. His writing is so light-hearted, you can practically hear him whistling from the pages, despite the obvious dangers he found himself in.
A wild man, at one with the wildness of the Earth.
January 10, 2024
Last read of 2023 (I'll hit my goal this year, I swear).
Muir was someone I knew a little about and was often grouped in as a nature writer along with perennial favorites of Emerson and Thoreau, so I've read some excerpts, but these short tales are the first foray into his writing style, and while I can see the appeal, I far prefer the more introspective and philosophical writing of the transcendentalists.
Still, any interest in nature will be satiated here with many, many paragraphs describing his frankly wild adventures. It's rather amazing he never suffered a terrible injury with some of the things he was doing. I especially liked the inclusion of another person's account that he also wrote about.
Certainly worth checking out, a very interesting individual we owe a debt to, but not one I found especially illuminating.
Muir was someone I knew a little about and was often grouped in as a nature writer along with perennial favorites of Emerson and Thoreau, so I've read some excerpts, but these short tales are the first foray into his writing style, and while I can see the appeal, I far prefer the more introspective and philosophical writing of the transcendentalists.
Still, any interest in nature will be satiated here with many, many paragraphs describing his frankly wild adventures. It's rather amazing he never suffered a terrible injury with some of the things he was doing. I especially liked the inclusion of another person's account that he also wrote about.
Certainly worth checking out, a very interesting individual we owe a debt to, but not one I found especially illuminating.
July 26, 2018
An adventurer, and more than a little insane in his risk taking, I am thankful to Muir for the work he did in preserving vast swaths of nature for us. I live within 30 minutes of Muir Woods, hours from Yosemite, have visited all 3 of the National Parks he helped establish in California, and hiked some areas of Sierra wilderness. These tales really bring the area to life through the vision of someone who was absolutely head-over-heels in love with the Sierra Nevadas. Though the book does have stories from other times in his life, down in Florida or up in Alaska, the vast majority of these stories take place in Northern California, and being biased by living here, those are the ones I enjoyed the most.
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