The Wilder Muir: The Curious Nature of John Muir

by Bonnie J. Gisel (Editor)

Whether he is cheering for untamed mountain sheep or braving a high-country storm that would sweep away lesser mortals, John Muir—naturalist, author, and advocate—is forever passionate, often droll, and always inspirational. This collection of his little-known pieces have been culled from private letters, magazine articles, and personal journals from deep in the archives. In Bonnie Gisel’s able hands, Muir takes the reader on thrilling adventures and remarkable discoveries. His first summit of Half Dome, his great epiphany about the “living glaciers of the Sierra,” and his jolly ode to the giant sequoia are all presented here with awe and affection. A nearly penniless young Muir sleeps under the stars in a Florida graveyard. Muir the father prods his wife in the back with a stick, “helping” her up Yosemite’s Four Mile Trail. And an older yet still adventurous Muir summits Mount Rainier and survives the perilously icy descent. Certain to delight fans of The Wild Muir , these audacious exploits reveal John Muir’s boundless curiosity and love of all things wild.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Essays

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2017

Reviews

[Cameron Braun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely excerpts from larger pieces by Muir. The passages are well introduced. They are all quite short and make for lovely little snippets of Muir whenever you have a spare moment. Not all of these stories are wild, as in The Wild Muir, but they certainly showcase his curious nature.

" Do behold the King in his Glory, King Sequoia! Behold! Behold! seems all I can say. Some time ago I left all for Sequoia and have been and am at his feet, fasting and praying for light, for is he not the greatest light in the woods, in the world? Where are such columns of sunshine, tangible, accessible, terrestrialized?.... But I'm in the woods, woods, woods, and they are in me-ee-ee. The King tree and I have sworn eternal love - sworn it without swearing, and I've taken the sacrament with Douglas squirrel, drank Sequoia wine, Sequoia blood, and with its rosy purple drops I am writing this woody gospel-letter."

"Conceive if you can the magnetism of brushing through the bushes with myriads of honey-bells ringing against your knees, and besides, no softness every enjoyed by human foot is comparable with the softness of a bog. Come all who need rest and light bending and breaking with over work, leave your profits and losses and metallic dividends and come a beeing"

[Lauren Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book in Yosemite National Park. The title is a bit misleading (The Wilder Muir). The subtitle is more accurate (The Curious Nature of John Muir). I had somehow hoped for more - more details on his adventures in Yosemite and beyond. He described the way he studied nature (unconventional) which was interesting. To imagine the amount of ground he hiked and the conditions in which he camped is staggering. But the writing is a bit bland. I understand it's old, it's Muir's own writings. But it left me a little underwhelmed.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Muir was full of adventure. He was brave or didn't know how dangerous things were, but that didn't seem to phase him. His writings are lyrical. If you enjoy nature, hiking, climbing, or even sight-seeing, this is so enjoyable. You can climb mountains with him, dine on a few crackers and a spot of tea, walk miles in a day, and see glory in every flower, and listen to his appreciation of nature. The drawings add to the enjoyment as do the annotations and the history of his life.

[Caitie Sweet · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I was hoping the book was: a first-hand account of all John Muir's adventures

What this book actually was: mostly observations by John Muir about plants or animals.

I'd still like to learn more about his life, but it would need to be a more riveting portrayal of his life to try to read about him again.

[Matthew Bricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

We originally bought this book while visiting Yosemite to read with our 4 year old. We quickly discovered it's not a kids book. It is an easy read of small excerpts of his different adventures and a small window into his life. The chapters are short and fun but often leave more questions than answers. Regardless Muir has a beautiful writing style which makes for many pleasing passages.

[Jerad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect brief compilation of public and private writings from his entire life reveals the poetic depths, spiritual vivacity, and scientific detail that was Muir's passion.

A good introduction to a famous and well-loved American author that leaves you thirsty for more.

[Stephanie Tanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable exploration of John Muir’s travels. Did not know that he was fond of the American Dipper. Birders will love that chapter.
Muir’s adventures on the Great Salt Lake and his method of climbing steep mountains will stay with me.

[Harold Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

[Jeff Bradbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Wild Muir much better.

[Eitan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great sequel of parallel stories to The Wild Muir

[Chris Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes you want to go full into the wild and raw dog nature

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick flutter of introductions to and excerpts from John Muir's life and writings.

[David Woronecki-Ellis]

New perspectives on some classic adventures are included in this quick read.