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A Weird and Wild Beauty: The Story of Yellowstone, the World's First National Park
The summer of 1871, a team of thirty-two men set out on the first scientific expedition across Yellowstone. Through uncharted territory, some of the day’s most renowned scientists and artists explored, sampled, sketched, and photographed the region’s breathtaking wonders—from its white-capped mountain vistas and thundering falls to its burping mud pots and cauldrons of molten magma. At the end of their adventure, the survey packed up their specimens and boarded trains headed east, determined to convince Congress that the country needed to preserve the land from commercial development. They returned with “stories of wonder hardly short of fairy tales,” to quote the New York Times .
With the support of conservationists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Frederick Law Olmsted, and John Muir, the importance of a national park was secured. On March 1, 1872, Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone Park Bill into law. It set aside over two million acres of one-of-a-kind wilderness as “a great national park for the benefit and enjoyment of people.” This important and fascinating book will introduce young adults to the astonishing adventure that led to “the best idea America ever had.” Today over 130 countries have copied the Yellowstone model, and billions of acres of critical habitat and spectacular scenery are being preserved for all of us to enjoy.
This book has a wonderful ecological and historical message for readers ages 12 and up. No book about Yellowstone's founding has been written for this age group before, yet Yellowstone National Park is a major destination for many families, so many readers will likely have heard of Yellowstone or even have visited there. This is a great book for any school library or for history or science classrooms in middle and high school, where information can be used for research projects.
With the support of conservationists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Frederick Law Olmsted, and John Muir, the importance of a national park was secured. On March 1, 1872, Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone Park Bill into law. It set aside over two million acres of one-of-a-kind wilderness as “a great national park for the benefit and enjoyment of people.” This important and fascinating book will introduce young adults to the astonishing adventure that led to “the best idea America ever had.” Today over 130 countries have copied the Yellowstone model, and billions of acres of critical habitat and spectacular scenery are being preserved for all of us to enjoy.
This book has a wonderful ecological and historical message for readers ages 12 and up. No book about Yellowstone's founding has been written for this age group before, yet Yellowstone National Park is a major destination for many families, so many readers will likely have heard of Yellowstone or even have visited there. This is a great book for any school library or for history or science classrooms in middle and high school, where information can be used for research projects.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2016
30 people are currently reading
1077 people want to read
About the author
Erin Peabody
10 books27 followersHi, I'm an author, conservationist and mother who writes about nature and science.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 11, 2016
Erin Peabody takes us along with a team of thirty-two men who headed out in 1871 to explore Yellowstone in the first scientific expedition there. It's a great adventure filled with scary animals and scary geysers and scary weather. The spine says YA but I think people a little younger and a little older would both enjoy this trip.
September 6, 2021
I intended to read this book before visiting Yellowstone National Park last week, but ran out of time. This book is actually even more interesting to read once you’ve experienced the incredible landscapes of the Park.
A friend who accompanied me on the trip exclaimed many times that the first people who saw Yellowstone must have been shocked and amazed. The 1871 Hayden expedition documented the extraordinary natural phenomena in word and picture, creating a basis for Yellowstone to become the first National Park in the US. And that’s what this book does particularly well; distill that expedition’s findings and include pictures, sketches, and anecdotes.
This book is aimed at the 7-8 grade level, but I think any adult will enjoy reading the book. There are some problematic views expressed about indigenous Americans, although the book is far more balanced than the history books I read in school.
A friend who accompanied me on the trip exclaimed many times that the first people who saw Yellowstone must have been shocked and amazed. The 1871 Hayden expedition documented the extraordinary natural phenomena in word and picture, creating a basis for Yellowstone to become the first National Park in the US. And that’s what this book does particularly well; distill that expedition’s findings and include pictures, sketches, and anecdotes.
This book is aimed at the 7-8 grade level, but I think any adult will enjoy reading the book. There are some problematic views expressed about indigenous Americans, although the book is far more balanced than the history books I read in school.
June 29, 2017
I love Yellowstone and the story of how it came to be explored by mid-19th century East Coast folk and designated a National Park was well told here. While Native Americans and "mountain men" had shared stories of the oddities of this place, the reports told and recorded by the scientists, photographers and painters of this expedition helped Americans begin to understand and appreciate the true scope and wonder of North America. Reading about what the explorers made of boiling mud pots, shooting geysers and stinking, belching fields of soupy scalding swaths of land was fascinating. A great choice for building interest in both national parks and the wonders of geology.
April 2, 2019
My daughter signed this book out of the library and I stole it from her and read it. The book is about the initial efforts to scout out the park and set it aside as the first National Park. A nice mix of geology, biology, and history with plenty of pictures. I want to credit this book with my decision to take the family on a trip to Maine. I thought Yellowstone at first but realized we couldn't drive that far comfortably so decided on Acadia in Maine.
June 20, 2017
I have visited Yellowstone numerous times and have attended as many NPS lectures that were provided. This book is stunning with the photographs (I need a new camera or lessons) as well as giving an in-depth history of the Park. Many may want to use it as a "coffee table" book which is fine but I recommend you read it first.
May 15, 2017
An easy and interesting read about the exploration and establishment of Yellowstone National Park. Too many sidebars for my liking, I wish it would have been incorporated into the text because it felt a little too textbook-ish. But I still enjoyed it and found it very interesting.
December 30, 2021
Though the overall story didn't match up to the title, this was an easy and interesting read. The sidebars got a little redundant at times and provided valuable information at others. I appreciated that this book included some history, politics, and science.
June 14, 2025
An interesting read about the history of Yellowstone National Park. It read a little like a history textbook, but still held my interest. I would like to revisit that park and see the sites mentioned all over again.
May 23, 2017
Needed a map! Besides that it was informative and flowed well.
December 27, 2017
Cute kids' book about the park. Read it looking for material about the exploration and founding of the park and because it was quite pretty.
June 11, 2018
awesome story about Yellowstone. very informative about the park itself, and the science behind the features, but particularly interesting to read about the history of the exploration.
December 15, 2019
Won from Goodreads and a great resource for those exploring the west
Read
March 23, 2020DNF for now. I'm going to come back to this one in a few months or so and see how I'm feeling when the world is less terrible, but for right now, this just isn't what I want to be reading.
Want to read
November 14, 2020978.752 pea
September 28, 2021
Read this to Jr during our trip - it was great!
June 12, 2022
Meant for young adults but all of us age 11 and up enjoyed learning about the history of Yellowstone. Read aloud during our long road trip.
May 7, 2023
This isn’t just a teen book, I loved it as an adult. It gave me a great start to getting the Yellowstone bug.
May 9, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway for the purpose of writing this review.
In early 1871, the readers of Scribner’s Magazine, one of the best-selling periodicals in the United States, were treated to an article about a mysterious land south of the Montana Territory. According to the article, there was a place of geysers that shot steaming water hundreds of feet into the air, where mud pools exploded on a regular basis, and trees were encased in stone. This was the first widely-published account of the Yellowstone, and many dismissed it as an absurd traveler’s tall tale.
But the Yellowstone River and its surroundings were very real. It had been named “Mi tse a-da-zi” (Rock Yellow River) by the Minnetaree tribe, and translated to “Roche Jaune” by French trappers before English speakers gave it the present name. Native Americans had often visited or lived there for its special properties, and stories of it were shared by the few hardy white people who’d managed to survive a visit. They were generally disbelieved by those who had not been there. It took a proper expedition organized by former banker Nathaniel Langford and staffed by sober, reliable citizens to show the reality.
This volume is a history of how Yellowstone became a National Park written for young adults by a former park ranger. The primary emphasis is on the two important expeditions, first Langford’s and then a full scientific expedition led by government geologist Ferdinand Hayden. In addition to the hardy scientists and support staff, the expedition had two artists and photographer William H. Jackson, and their visual evidence was key in convincing Congress of the reality of the fabled wilderness.
The writing is clear and concise, rated for twelve and up, but quite readable for adults. There are multiple sidebars about related subjects such as the Transcontinental Railroad and Henry David Thoreau, and many illustrations in both black & white and color.
The history section briefly covers what is known of the history of the Yellowstone area before the expeditions, and up to the point where the National Park bill was signed into law. More recent events concerning the park are not covered in the main text, although some are mentioned in the sidebar.
After the history section, there’s a map of America’s National Parks and other federal preserves, then a couple of chapters on the science of why Yellowstone is a unique area. There are endnotes, a bibliography, index and photo credits (in readable sized font!)
Part of Yellowstone’s importance is mentioned in the subtitle; it was not just the United States’ first National Park, but the world’s. Previously, when land was set aside to preserve it, it was only for the powerful (“the King’s forest”) or the very wealthy to enjoy. This was the first time a national government had set aside wilderness for the sake of the public at large. And just in time, as the Hayden expedition had already run into people planning to exploit the Yellowstone area for private commercial gain. (At this point in history, the U.S. side of Niagara Falls had already been completely privatized and commercialized!)
The book briefly touches on mistreatment of Native Americans, the extinction or near-extinction of animal species and other difficult topics, but these are not the main concern. The bibliography contains books that go into much more detail on these matters.
Most recommended for teens interested in history and the outdoors, but also good (and affordable) for adults with similar interests.
In early 1871, the readers of Scribner’s Magazine, one of the best-selling periodicals in the United States, were treated to an article about a mysterious land south of the Montana Territory. According to the article, there was a place of geysers that shot steaming water hundreds of feet into the air, where mud pools exploded on a regular basis, and trees were encased in stone. This was the first widely-published account of the Yellowstone, and many dismissed it as an absurd traveler’s tall tale.
But the Yellowstone River and its surroundings were very real. It had been named “Mi tse a-da-zi” (Rock Yellow River) by the Minnetaree tribe, and translated to “Roche Jaune” by French trappers before English speakers gave it the present name. Native Americans had often visited or lived there for its special properties, and stories of it were shared by the few hardy white people who’d managed to survive a visit. They were generally disbelieved by those who had not been there. It took a proper expedition organized by former banker Nathaniel Langford and staffed by sober, reliable citizens to show the reality.
This volume is a history of how Yellowstone became a National Park written for young adults by a former park ranger. The primary emphasis is on the two important expeditions, first Langford’s and then a full scientific expedition led by government geologist Ferdinand Hayden. In addition to the hardy scientists and support staff, the expedition had two artists and photographer William H. Jackson, and their visual evidence was key in convincing Congress of the reality of the fabled wilderness.
The writing is clear and concise, rated for twelve and up, but quite readable for adults. There are multiple sidebars about related subjects such as the Transcontinental Railroad and Henry David Thoreau, and many illustrations in both black & white and color.
The history section briefly covers what is known of the history of the Yellowstone area before the expeditions, and up to the point where the National Park bill was signed into law. More recent events concerning the park are not covered in the main text, although some are mentioned in the sidebar.
After the history section, there’s a map of America’s National Parks and other federal preserves, then a couple of chapters on the science of why Yellowstone is a unique area. There are endnotes, a bibliography, index and photo credits (in readable sized font!)
Part of Yellowstone’s importance is mentioned in the subtitle; it was not just the United States’ first National Park, but the world’s. Previously, when land was set aside to preserve it, it was only for the powerful (“the King’s forest”) or the very wealthy to enjoy. This was the first time a national government had set aside wilderness for the sake of the public at large. And just in time, as the Hayden expedition had already run into people planning to exploit the Yellowstone area for private commercial gain. (At this point in history, the U.S. side of Niagara Falls had already been completely privatized and commercialized!)
The book briefly touches on mistreatment of Native Americans, the extinction or near-extinction of animal species and other difficult topics, but these are not the main concern. The bibliography contains books that go into much more detail on these matters.
Most recommended for teens interested in history and the outdoors, but also good (and affordable) for adults with similar interests.
April 14, 2016
This was a huge disappointment for me. It just missed the mark. If you want a summary of this title just read the publishers description and save yourself the time reading. I guess I am partially to blame. Maybe I set my expectations too high, but when a books subtitle is "The Story of Yellowstone, the World's First National Park" I expected an actual story from beginning to end.
Perhaps starting with the Native American tribes and how they used the land. Yes, yes, I know it is mentioned in the book briefly, but I feel that the topic deserved a chapter not just an aside.
The story follows the second expedition led to the Yellowstone area which was manned by geologist, topographers, photographers, artists, etc,(sometimes it was hard to remember who was who) and the funding by a railroad tycoon who just wanted to make a profit. Cool. Cool. But there was so much stuff that wasn't explained! There are several instances of the men walking past immense geysers, hot springs and the like saying how fantastical they are, but then no mention of the name, location, or (rarely) geologic context. There was an appendix going into more scientific detail at the end of the book, however I would have found them more more useful as highlight boxes among the text. The highlight boxes frequently felt random or just reiterated was in the previous paragraph. Some of the images had little or nothing to do with the text. I'm looking at you great horned owl.
WHY WAS THERE NO MAP?!? They have a guy mapping the region but I don't get to look at one?
I was quite distraught at brief chapter at how the park became the first national park. It was an incredible task convincing the US to reserve a 40 square mile chunk of land for the people to enjoy and not for profit. The book ended there. I was also really interested in the building of the parks and the roads, particularly Roosevelt's involvement of which none was mentioned. Like I said I wanted the STORY of Yellowstone, not just the story Anglo discovery of it.
I would have loved to see some comparison shots - then and nows. All of the photos were public domain or shutterstock. Weird.
The book was thorough in citing all of the sources used and had a beautiful cover, but overall felt like a very juvenile research paper. You know the kind of paper where you've reached the required word count and don't care anymore and just piece together a conclusion without finishing the content. Yeah. This one would be a hard sell in library or a classroom. Not really sure who the intended audience is, budding geologist? Middle School historian?
Perhaps starting with the Native American tribes and how they used the land. Yes, yes, I know it is mentioned in the book briefly, but I feel that the topic deserved a chapter not just an aside.
The story follows the second expedition led to the Yellowstone area which was manned by geologist, topographers, photographers, artists, etc,(sometimes it was hard to remember who was who) and the funding by a railroad tycoon who just wanted to make a profit. Cool. Cool. But there was so much stuff that wasn't explained! There are several instances of the men walking past immense geysers, hot springs and the like saying how fantastical they are, but then no mention of the name, location, or (rarely) geologic context. There was an appendix going into more scientific detail at the end of the book, however I would have found them more more useful as highlight boxes among the text. The highlight boxes frequently felt random or just reiterated was in the previous paragraph. Some of the images had little or nothing to do with the text. I'm looking at you great horned owl.
WHY WAS THERE NO MAP?!? They have a guy mapping the region but I don't get to look at one?
I was quite distraught at brief chapter at how the park became the first national park. It was an incredible task convincing the US to reserve a 40 square mile chunk of land for the people to enjoy and not for profit. The book ended there. I was also really interested in the building of the parks and the roads, particularly Roosevelt's involvement of which none was mentioned. Like I said I wanted the STORY of Yellowstone, not just the story Anglo discovery of it.
I would have loved to see some comparison shots - then and nows. All of the photos were public domain or shutterstock. Weird.
The book was thorough in citing all of the sources used and had a beautiful cover, but overall felt like a very juvenile research paper. You know the kind of paper where you've reached the required word count and don't care anymore and just piece together a conclusion without finishing the content. Yeah. This one would be a hard sell in library or a classroom. Not really sure who the intended audience is, budding geologist? Middle School historian?
February 20, 2017
I won this as a GoodReads first read. I enjoyed this book, it was interesting to read about the discovery and survey of Yellowstone and the processes involved in the expeditions. It was also interesting to read the process in Yellowstone becoming a National park.
May 6, 2016
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=9626
Many of us take advantage of the national parks that have been preserved throughout the United States without knowing the history of the National Park Program or realizing how important it is to preserve these parks. This book will help middle grade and teen readers learn about this history and the beautify of a park they’ve probably heard of or been to but may not know everything about. Peabody does a good job making the history readable and interesting.
Many of us take advantage of the national parks that have been preserved throughout the United States without knowing the history of the National Park Program or realizing how important it is to preserve these parks. This book will help middle grade and teen readers learn about this history and the beautify of a park they’ve probably heard of or been to but may not know everything about. Peabody does a good job making the history readable and interesting.
June 27, 2016
I have only read about 20 pages of this book and it has been interesting. When I skimmed through it when I received it I was disappointed that there were not the pictures that I thought would be in the book. I had hoped to see larger and more current pictures. I do plan on finishing the book but have had some personal issues come up and it will be a few weeks before I can finish reading.
I am interested in learning more about Yellowstone.
I enjoyed this book and know more about Yellowstone than I ever did before. I think students would enjoy the book
I am interested in learning more about Yellowstone.
I enjoyed this book and know more about Yellowstone than I ever did before. I think students would enjoy the book
September 16, 2016
Peabody's book recounts the history of Yellowstone National Park. I have read two other books on the same line and this one is well written and nicely illustrated. With this year being celebrated as the 100 year anniversary of the national park system, time was appropriate for publishing the book. My grandson used the book as a reference for an essay he needed to write and did receive an A. He thought the book was interesting and that was the audience she was striving for.
I received the book as a a GoodReads giveaway and I wish to thank the author and publisher.
I received the book as a a GoodReads giveaway and I wish to thank the author and publisher.
May 18, 2019
An interesting story, and nicely-done. This book largely tells the story of the 1871 scientific team that investigated Yellowstone, photographing and measuring and describing many of its wonders for the first time. And then the fight to set this wonder aside as a national treasure, to not let it be owned by an individual. Good history, well done.
I received a copy of this book for free through the Goodreads FirstReads program. Thank you!
I received a copy of this book for free through the Goodreads FirstReads program. Thank you!
June 22, 2016
I was a bit disappointed with this one honestly. I was hoping more of a true history of Yellowstone. And no map in the book? Umm, really? Kind of off in that respect. But if a kiddo is going to flip through a "coffee table" type book, this one is a good choice as the kiddo may actually enjoy the pictures and little tidbits that it gave.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 26, 2016
Happy 100th birthday, National Parks! An entertaining and informative work that tells the story of how Yellowstone became the world's first national park. Explore the natural beauty of Yellowstone Park with breath-taking illustrations. A lively, richly detailed account of exploration, conservation, and natural history. (Reviewer #9)
May 18, 2016
I have to admit that I have not read the book from cover to cover. What I have read is a fascinating look at the lives of those involved in the early years of the Yellowstone area. I won the book via Goodreads. I have been to Yellowstone and this gives me a greater appreciation for men involved, not just the natural wonders.
February 27, 2016
Enjoyed the back story of the first scientists, illustrators and photographers documenting the area prior to it becoming a park. The information and discoveries made by these adventurous and daring men saved it from commercialization and destruction of its wonder and beauty.
April 26, 2016
Reading this book is a good way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Parks.
June 3, 2016
Great introduction for our trip to Yellowstone
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews