Mirror of America: Literary Encounters with the National Parks

by David Harmon

An anthology of writings on the national parks by major writers, including Twain, Muir, Emerson, and Stegner.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

187 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1989

Reviews

[Jean Cheveallier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to hear real life experiences of literary figures from long ago describe how certain National Parks impacted them. The different writing styles and even vocabulary is fun. It’s also nice to envision those National Parks before they were overwhelmed by millions of visitors.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting more for the historical means and views on travel than for the quality of the excerpts chosen. Some are worthwhile, others very much less so. A reader only mildly invested will quickly become bored.