John Muir: Life and Work

by Sally M. Miller (Editor)

One of the most important figures in environmental history, John Muir continues to influence wilderness philosophy through his popular published writings. Now available in paperback, this volume explores his relationship with his family, religious and literary influences on his philosophy, the development of his concept of ecology, and his contributions to geology and botany. It becomes clear that Muir's dedication to the belief that all life forms have inherent worth and his popularization of wilderness remain his primary legacies.Moving beyond the preservationist/utilitarian dichotomy, these essays reveal the complexity of Muir's contribution, stressing the anthropomorphic, aesthetic, and recreational bases of his values. The insights of the historians, literary critics, philosophers, and scientists presented here provide readers with a greater appreciation for Muir's multidimensional personality and his contributions to the preservation movement.

324 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1993

About the author

The former managing editor for publications at the John Muir Center for Regional Studies, Sally M. Miller is professor emerita of history at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in 1958, her AM from the University of Chicago in 1963, and her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in 1966.