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John Muir: Magnificent Tramp
In 1849, 11-year-old John Muir immigrated from Scotland to America. Here, he rose from farmer and sawmill worker to become a noted authority on the botany, glaciers, and forestry of the nation's wilderness. Best known for his long association with the Yosemite Valley and Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, Muir also explored, mostly afoot, the southern States, Alaska, the Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert. His studies of nature took him around the world and generated volumes of poetic, evocative writings.
As America expanded relentlessly westward, Muir witnessed the plunder and exploitation of the land and became a driving force in efforts to protect the natural world. A modest and private man, married and father of two doting daughters, his conservationist views forced him into battle with powerful political and industrial interests. Some battles he won, influencing four US Presidents to sponsor legislation that protected forests and established or expanded America's national parks.
Muir lost his last, and perhaps most personal battle. He fought until near the end of his life to prevent the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park from becoming a reservoir for the city of San Francisco. Some of his conservationsist friends believed the conflict so sapped his physical, emotional, and spiritual strength that it contributed to his death.
Remembered as the founder of the Sierra Club, father of America's conservation movement, and architect of a still growing wilderness ethic, Muir set an example many still follow, fighting today's threats to the environment.
As America expanded relentlessly westward, Muir witnessed the plunder and exploitation of the land and became a driving force in efforts to protect the natural world. A modest and private man, married and father of two doting daughters, his conservationist views forced him into battle with powerful political and industrial interests. Some battles he won, influencing four US Presidents to sponsor legislation that protected forests and established or expanded America's national parks.
Muir lost his last, and perhaps most personal battle. He fought until near the end of his life to prevent the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park from becoming a reservoir for the city of San Francisco. Some of his conservationsist friends believed the conflict so sapped his physical, emotional, and spiritual strength that it contributed to his death.
Remembered as the founder of the Sierra Club, father of America's conservation movement, and architect of a still growing wilderness ethic, Muir set an example many still follow, fighting today's threats to the environment.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2005
6 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Rod Miller
28 books8 followersFour-time winner of the coveted Western Writers of America Spur Award--for a novel, for poetry, and twice for short fiction --twice winner of the Westerners International Fred Olds Award for Poetry, winner of the Academy of Western Artists award for Best Poetry Book, and winner of a Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award for a novel, Rod Miller is a versatile writer. His books include fiction, history, and poetry, his short stories and poems appear in several anthologies, and he writes for a number of Western magazines.
Born and raised in Utah, Miller is a graduate of Utah State University where he earned a degree in Journalism and rode bucking horses for the intercollegiate Rodeo Team. He works as an advertising agency copywriter and creative director, and is a member of Western Writers of America, where he served on the executive board. The League of Utah Writers named Miller 2012 Writer of the Year. He is a frequent presenter on a variety of subjects to writers groups and public forums.
Visit his web sites at www.writerRodMiller.com, www.RawhideRobinson,com, and writerRodMiller.blogspot.com.
Born and raised in Utah, Miller is a graduate of Utah State University where he earned a degree in Journalism and rode bucking horses for the intercollegiate Rodeo Team. He works as an advertising agency copywriter and creative director, and is a member of Western Writers of America, where he served on the executive board. The League of Utah Writers named Miller 2012 Writer of the Year. He is a frequent presenter on a variety of subjects to writers groups and public forums.
Visit his web sites at www.writerRodMiller.com, www.RawhideRobinson,com, and writerRodMiller.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 11, 2017
Maybe this works better as a physical book. As an audio book it was confusing and repetitive.
Maybe there is a better, clearer biography of John Muir somewhere out there. Or maybe it is waiting to be written.
The book went in circles and repeated stories it had already told; left incomplete stories it might have told. For instance, he had a good friend that he went tramping with but they had a falling out. Over what????
John Muir himself was a better writer than this. And his story deserves to be told in a straightforward fashion.
As noted, I hope the printed word is clearer than the audio of this book. But at least I got it from the library and didn't spend an arm and a leg on it.
Maybe there is a better, clearer biography of John Muir somewhere out there. Or maybe it is waiting to be written.
The book went in circles and repeated stories it had already told; left incomplete stories it might have told. For instance, he had a good friend that he went tramping with but they had a falling out. Over what????
John Muir himself was a better writer than this. And his story deserves to be told in a straightforward fashion.
As noted, I hope the printed word is clearer than the audio of this book. But at least I got it from the library and didn't spend an arm and a leg on it.
February 11, 2016
A good book overall. My only issue is that it is not chronological, so the author tended to repeat the same stories multiple times. At some points I thought I lost my place in the book and was re-reading a section, but it turned out the author was just re-telling an event. Not a bad introduction to a man I knew very little about.
July 11, 2015
This is actually the second time around for me reading this book. I love the simplicity the author Rod Miller allows for an easy read of the iconic historical man and his many travels. Great read for all to enjoy.
May 25, 2023
I listened to this while driving over the Rocky Mountains. Not exactly Muir's stomping grounds, but still seemed appropriate. I am, admittedly, a total Muir fanboy. I love hearing his life story again and again. I have read several of his books and many books about him. I'm not an authority on Muir, but I am absolutely enthralled by his way of life and strong belief in the power of adventure. Get out in nature: You won't regret it!
January 31, 2020
John Muir was an extremely influential person in the conservation of American land. His story is amazing. From a farmer to a national conservationist, his work as the founder of Sierra club and travels all over the world are inspiring.
November 15, 2018
While John Muir is a fascinating person this biography wasn't the best. There has to be better books about Muir than this one. The was repeating information and it jumped around in the history of Muir's life. The organization of the book wasn't good. The last few chapters seemed to be better put together, but overall this wasn't what I was looking for. The very end listed out some of Muir's legacy with many biographies before this book, as well as all the schools and natural features named in his honor. Yes he's had a lasting effect, but the book didn't give me the overwhelming knowledge of why and think it was due to the way the book was put forth. I'm going to have to search out one of those other many biographies to get a better understanding of Muir.
I actually think Muir's own book that I read years ago did a better job explaining why his legacy is so lasting. He's one of the first true environmentalists and yes, did help found the Sierra Club.
I actually think Muir's own book that I read years ago did a better job explaining why his legacy is so lasting. He's one of the first true environmentalists and yes, did help found the Sierra Club.
September 13, 2007
I was really disappointed by this biography. Thought it was disjointed and I really didn't feel I got to know John Muir the person. It was more like a summary of where he went and who he met and what he did but not much about HIM.
November 22, 2013
Interesting story, but the structure of this book made no sense - confusing and repetitive.
February 2, 2023
It would have been greatly improved if it had been told in a linear manner. It was more a collection of essays about the man and lacked cohesion. A couple examples:
Muir's wife and daughter appear in the story at one point. In another chapter, he meets his wife. wait a minute. Did something happen to his first wife? Did I miss something? No, just an akward style further complicated by no transitions.
Another case was Gifford Pinchot and the Hetch Hetchy dam and the ruin of their friendship as they were on opposite sides of the issue. A couple of chapters later and flash backwards and they are much younger men and friends.
I learned some things so it gets two stars, though they are probably more for the man than the book.
Muir's wife and daughter appear in the story at one point. In another chapter, he meets his wife. wait a minute. Did something happen to his first wife? Did I miss something? No, just an akward style further complicated by no transitions.
Another case was Gifford Pinchot and the Hetch Hetchy dam and the ruin of their friendship as they were on opposite sides of the issue. A couple of chapters later and flash backwards and they are much younger men and friends.
I learned some things so it gets two stars, though they are probably more for the man than the book.
December 14, 2018
This is an inspirational book about an inspirational life-time. The things you can achieve in a life. One of the largest impact made on the enviornmental preservation, a template for the future. I hadn't read John Muir before this, so Rod Miller has me intrigued to read about Muir further. As a book this is very well researched and gives you a great detailed read on the life and times of Muir. America would such a different place without him.
December 2, 2020
On one hand, it's a quick, informative biography. On the other, it could've been half the length due to the amount of repetition of events. It seems like it would've been easier to write (and read) had it unfolded chronologically, rather than unnecessarily bouncing around dozens of times, often multiple times per chapter.
April 9, 2022
A good overview of Muirs life but eventually it sounds repetitive with the author revisiting times and events through different lenses and with varying amounts of detail each time. About 2/3rds of the way through it felt like we kept going back to paint in more details of parts of the story one assumed might have been finished already.
September 25, 2018
I cannot add anything new for a review. This book jumps around and retells the same stories over and over. The book could be shortened by removing the repeats.
It was fun reading about John Muir travels in Yosemite after spending the weekend there.
It was fun reading about John Muir travels in Yosemite after spending the weekend there.
April 25, 2019
This was great library read to learn more about one of the men who started the national parks. It gives a great insight to the times, his personal life, his relation, his personality, some of his cool experiences in Yosemite, etc. it's a must read for any national park lover.
April 26, 2022
I didn't care for the author's style of repeating John Muir's life through different lens. I kind of wish the book was organized chronologically. Still, John Muir's life was fascinating, and I hope to read more!
September 11, 2024
Really more of a generously rounded up 2.5 star. Interesting anecdotes and historical interpretations with a frustratingly scattered chronology. Also, the audiobook author mispronounced Gifford Pinchot’s name like half a hundred times.
January 20, 2025
This is truly a woven account of his life. Many parts will be mentioned more than once as they are referred to in other areas of his life. This is done well as it is not simply restating, but linking and expanding.
June 9, 2019
I enjoyed learning about John Muir and how he revolutionized what it means to hike in the wilderness and to follow his wanderlust.
July 3, 2019
It was worth reading, as I had not known anything about John Muir before. But I did not care for the jumping back and forth in time. Chronological is so much easier to follow.
January 16, 2020
Fascinating individual
May 26, 2021
Fascinating individual; frustrating biography. There was way too much jumping back and forth in time.
August 13, 2021
Whitewashed version of John Muir. It is what it is.
May 26, 2024
It was interesting but the book repeats itself .
October 29, 2024
What an amazing human being who had fantastic life experiences bc of his love of nature & this earth!
April 22, 2014
It is apropos that I finished the audio-book experience on this work on Earth Day and that I had the opportunity to incorporate it into my Toastmasters Speech today on Water Conservation.
John Muir is a named that I have heard ever since I became aware that the more beautiful places on earth (and there are many) must be protected from those among us who believe progress trumps nature. Even then, in adolescence, I knew that there once was a man who fought with zeal for the majestic and the small and his legacy adorned the marquees of local high-schools, some local peaks and the cool Sierra Club stickers that adorned my old Jeep.
What I learned from this book is that Mr. Muir was an international wanderer and whose travels were beyond what I could have ever imagined. This was a man who pursued his love for the unseen path ahead and in his quest to wander gained fame and influence that is still revered and emulated by many.
Our global community is at a crossroads and though many will not read many of Muir's original writings, a biography like this provides insights into a time and a man when mankind became aware that our combined actions affect so much more than we could have imagined.
Muir's story is simple, harrowing, uncompromising and tinged with bitter-sweetness. After all, humankind fights the very earth that houses it and it takes reverence for our home-earth to fight our kind and maintain it.
John Muir is a named that I have heard ever since I became aware that the more beautiful places on earth (and there are many) must be protected from those among us who believe progress trumps nature. Even then, in adolescence, I knew that there once was a man who fought with zeal for the majestic and the small and his legacy adorned the marquees of local high-schools, some local peaks and the cool Sierra Club stickers that adorned my old Jeep.
What I learned from this book is that Mr. Muir was an international wanderer and whose travels were beyond what I could have ever imagined. This was a man who pursued his love for the unseen path ahead and in his quest to wander gained fame and influence that is still revered and emulated by many.
Our global community is at a crossroads and though many will not read many of Muir's original writings, a biography like this provides insights into a time and a man when mankind became aware that our combined actions affect so much more than we could have imagined.
Muir's story is simple, harrowing, uncompromising and tinged with bitter-sweetness. After all, humankind fights the very earth that houses it and it takes reverence for our home-earth to fight our kind and maintain it.
August 9, 2008
This book gave me exactly what I was looking for--the essential facts about the life of this incredible, original, unfettered soul. There is much to wonder at: his extensive travels throughout the world in an age before automobiles; his mystical connection to the natural world; his ability to maintain deep, lifelong, long-distance relationships with a wide range of people long before the advent of electronic messaging; the spartan toughness, stubbornness, and luck that saved his life time after time.
Muir himself was highly skeptical about the power of words to convey the essence of natural wonders. But in the absence of the man himself, John Muir: Magnificent Tramp is a competent biography that can at least provide some structure for the imagination.
Muir himself was highly skeptical about the power of words to convey the essence of natural wonders. But in the absence of the man himself, John Muir: Magnificent Tramp is a competent biography that can at least provide some structure for the imagination.
June 10, 2014
Miller's account of John Muir's life was surprisingly uninspiring at first. Muir is, after all, an American hero and was one of its greatest adventurers. Some of the topics he wrote of in earlier chapters seemed like footnotes to Muir's life, and lacked the sort of excitement I was expecting. The story picked up quite quickly, though, and Miller did a nice job of building the story topically rather than linearly. So, by the time the adventure heavy topics were discussed, I had developed an emotional buy-in that heightened the reading experience. I had already been introduced to Muir in a more mundane context, which made the exciting events of his life more meaningful. Overall, a good read, and a great biographical introduction to a great man.
December 9, 2009
Excellent -- I was inspired to buy this book after watching the recent WGBH series on the national parks... this book provided a great insight to the life, passion, and gift of the John Muir who's name is common... but who's contribution to the preservation and conservation of natural environs (mostly, in the Sierras... and most profoundly in Yosemite) but all around the glove.
Quite a colorful character. The book is well written, and easy to read; a great biography -- and, made me want to pursue further some of John Muir's own accounts of his trips and his autobiographical writings.
Quite a colorful character. The book is well written, and easy to read; a great biography -- and, made me want to pursue further some of John Muir's own accounts of his trips and his autobiographical writings.
June 7, 2017
Excellent, easy biography of Muir. It was interesting to read all about Muir's life. I had a vague idea of how he spent the first 40 years of his life, but knew little of after that. This biography gave me an overview of all the major events. He was married at 42 and had two children after that. He spent most of his 40's raising fruit in Martinez, California to support his family. But his wife encouraged him to keep traveling and writing because he seemed to like it so much. Not an in depth book, but a good overview of the man.
January 30, 2008
John Muir was such an interesting person, but you'd barely know it reading this book. It's a disjointed telling with fragments of stories stuck in here and there and everywhere. I only read 100 pages in, because I am certain there must be better biographies out there. The problem was, with each chapter, the author started Muir's life all over again and did a timeline with a certain topic in mind. Therefore, there was lots of ground covered and recovered, but not delved into very deep.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews