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The Writings Of John Muir: Our National Parks
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This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
440 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1900
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About the author
John Muir
596 books1,422 followersJohn Muir (1838 – 1914) was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, and early advocate of preservation of wilderness in the United States. His letters, essays, and books telling of his adventures in nature, especially in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, have been read by millions. His activism helped to preserve the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and other wilderness areas. The Sierra Club, which he founded, is now one of the most important conservation organizations in the United States. One of the best-known hiking trails in the U.S., the 211-mile (340 km) John Muir Trail, was named in his honor. Other such places include Muir Woods National Monument, Muir Beach, John Muir College, Mount Muir, Camp Muir and Muir Glacier.
In his later life, Muir devoted most of his time to the preservation of the Western forests. He petitioned the U.S. Congress for the National Park bill that was passed in 1890, establishing Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. The spiritual quality and enthusiasm toward nature expressed in his writings inspired readers, including presidents and congressmen, to take action to help preserve large nature areas. He is today referred to as the "Father of the National Parks" and the National Park Service has produced a short documentary about his life.
Muir's biographer, Steven J. Holmes, believes that Muir has become "one of the patron saints of twentieth-century American environmental activity," both political and recreational. As a result, his writings are commonly discussed in books and journals, and he is often quoted by nature photographers such as Ansel Adams. "Muir has profoundly shaped the very categories through which Americans understand and envision their relationships with the natural world," writes Holmes. Muir was noted for being an ecological thinker, political spokesman, and religious prophet, whose writings became a personal guide into nature for countless individuals, making his name "almost ubiquitous" in the modern environmental consciousness. According to author William Anderson, Muir exemplified "the archetype of our oneness with the earth".
Muir was extremely fond of Henry David Thoreau and was probably influenced more by him than even Ralph Waldo Emerson. Muir often referred to himself as a "disciple" of Thoreau. He was also heavily influenced by fellow naturalist John Burroughs.
During his lifetime John Muir published over 300 articles and 12 books. He co-founded the Sierra Club, which helped establish a number of national parks after he died and today has over 1.3 million members. Author Gretel Ehrlich states that as a "dreamer and activist, his eloquent words changed the way Americans saw their mountains, forests, seashores, and deserts." He not only led the efforts to protect forest areas and have some designated as national parks, but his writings gave readers a conception of the relationship between "human culture and wild nature as one of humility and respect for all life," writes author Thurman Wilkins.
His philosophy exalted wild nature over human culture and civilization. Turner describes him as "a man who in his singular way rediscovered America. . . . an American pioneer, an American hero." Wilkins adds that a primary aim of Muir’s nature philosophy was to challenge mankind’s "enormous conceit," and in so doing, he moved beyond the Transcendentalism of Emerson and Thoreau to a "biocentric perspective on the world."
In the months after his death, many who knew Muir closely wrote about his influences.
In his later life, Muir devoted most of his time to the preservation of the Western forests. He petitioned the U.S. Congress for the National Park bill that was passed in 1890, establishing Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. The spiritual quality and enthusiasm toward nature expressed in his writings inspired readers, including presidents and congressmen, to take action to help preserve large nature areas. He is today referred to as the "Father of the National Parks" and the National Park Service has produced a short documentary about his life.
Muir's biographer, Steven J. Holmes, believes that Muir has become "one of the patron saints of twentieth-century American environmental activity," both political and recreational. As a result, his writings are commonly discussed in books and journals, and he is often quoted by nature photographers such as Ansel Adams. "Muir has profoundly shaped the very categories through which Americans understand and envision their relationships with the natural world," writes Holmes. Muir was noted for being an ecological thinker, political spokesman, and religious prophet, whose writings became a personal guide into nature for countless individuals, making his name "almost ubiquitous" in the modern environmental consciousness. According to author William Anderson, Muir exemplified "the archetype of our oneness with the earth".
Muir was extremely fond of Henry David Thoreau and was probably influenced more by him than even Ralph Waldo Emerson. Muir often referred to himself as a "disciple" of Thoreau. He was also heavily influenced by fellow naturalist John Burroughs.
During his lifetime John Muir published over 300 articles and 12 books. He co-founded the Sierra Club, which helped establish a number of national parks after he died and today has over 1.3 million members. Author Gretel Ehrlich states that as a "dreamer and activist, his eloquent words changed the way Americans saw their mountains, forests, seashores, and deserts." He not only led the efforts to protect forest areas and have some designated as national parks, but his writings gave readers a conception of the relationship between "human culture and wild nature as one of humility and respect for all life," writes author Thurman Wilkins.
His philosophy exalted wild nature over human culture and civilization. Turner describes him as "a man who in his singular way rediscovered America. . . . an American pioneer, an American hero." Wilkins adds that a primary aim of Muir’s nature philosophy was to challenge mankind’s "enormous conceit," and in so doing, he moved beyond the Transcendentalism of Emerson and Thoreau to a "biocentric perspective on the world."
In the months after his death, many who knew Muir closely wrote about his influences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 31, 2020
Our National Parks is a collection of essays that John Muir wrote for The Atlantic. I agree with many reviewers who have described Muir as "verbose." However, hidden among the pages of botanical descriptions are delightful stories about his encounters with bears, hermits, earthquakes, avalanches, and even a tired mule. My favorite story, when Muir tried to convince Ralph Waldo Emerson to camp with him in Yosemite, is the source of his famous quote, "The mountains are calling." Anyone who has visited---or plans to visit---Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, or Sequoia would enjoy reading these essays.
May 5, 2024
I’m sure I’m in the minority here as many hold Muir in high regard. A few years ago I read his Travels in Alaska and gave it a slightly better rating. Perhaps this book simply wasn’t what I expected/wanted. I was hoping for more of a history of the National Parks or even more tales of his adventures in them. This is more of a flow of consciousness around the flora and fauna that Muir encounters. I found it dry, tedious reading. So far least favorite book of the year and perhaps least favorite I’ve read yet.
December 30, 2020
This is my first Muir book and it shan’t be my past! He is such a talented writer and so passionate about his subject. There were a few times when I got a bit bogged down in his lists of measurements and even some of his seemingly endless lists of different types of flowers or trees. Those could easily be skimmed if you also get bogged down by them, but the majority of the book is delightful!
“The regular trips — from 3 to 5 days – are too short. Nothing can be done well at a speed of 40 miles a day. The multitude of mixed, novel impressions rapidly piled on one another make only a dreamy, bewildering, swirling blur, most of which is unredeemable. Far more time should be taken. Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the Mountaineer. Camp out among the grass and gentians of the glacier Meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of Nature’s darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as the sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
“The regular trips — from 3 to 5 days – are too short. Nothing can be done well at a speed of 40 miles a day. The multitude of mixed, novel impressions rapidly piled on one another make only a dreamy, bewildering, swirling blur, most of which is unredeemable. Far more time should be taken. Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the Mountaineer. Camp out among the grass and gentians of the glacier Meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of Nature’s darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as the sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
August 15, 2024
John Muir clearly was deeply in love with the trees and wildlife around him and his writing is one of the most beautiful celebrations of nature I have ever read. Each of these glorious trees, animals, and mountains is sung about in poetic extremism. There's a lot of passion going on here, and I would love to have taken a trip with him.
February 17, 2024
I don’t think I have ever read something so full of passion. You can feel John Muir’s love of the wilderness as he details the western world he loved so much. I also didn’t know I could read a whole page about how amazing a squirrel is.
May 13, 2024
Respectfully, Mr. Muir, thank you for everything you did for our national parks system but this book took me 1.5 years to read because it never failed to put me to sleep within 5 pages.
September 19, 2025
A nice book to listen to in the background as he details his love for the Sierras and all his observations within it. It's one of those books where you can get lost in the extreme detailing of each day and each thing he's fixating on in a chapter, which I think makes it better to listen to than read. However, Chapter 10, the last chapter, is worth close attention and really stood out. It's all about the trials our nation's wild spaces, particularly our forests, face, and how we are decimating them and their inhabitants. It's essentially an exact parallel to the issues we are still facing now and still have not learned from. It made my hair stand on end at times. That said, go tell Congress to uphold the roadless rule and protect YOUR public lands! Only 2 days left to submit comments!
www.federalregister.gov/documents/202...
www.federalregister.gov/documents/202...
November 19, 2018
John Muir is one of my heroes and a prolific writer. He's also incredibly verbose. I did enjoy this series of essays in book form though, very much so. His insights from 100+ years ago, his visions for the future, and his laments still ring true today. Something he says at the end really resonated - "in the long run the world does not move backward." He's right, while sometimes the world may seem hopeless, overall we are far more ecologically conscious than we were 100 years ago.
National parks and forests he advocated for and desired now exist. As land managers we're smarter, more advanced, more aware, and more prepared. I'm thankful for John Muir's experience, insight, adventures, expeditions, and resulting writings to educate us!
National parks and forests he advocated for and desired now exist. As land managers we're smarter, more advanced, more aware, and more prepared. I'm thankful for John Muir's experience, insight, adventures, expeditions, and resulting writings to educate us!
August 8, 2024
This was hard to get through at parts, but the poetic use of listing was so enticing, I became obsessed with certain passages.
I kept going back and forth, though, because I couldn't tell if Muir was racist or not? Going to do more research on that
I kept going back and forth, though, because I couldn't tell if Muir was racist or not? Going to do more research on that
Read
March 6, 2017I chose this book based on my interest in the outdoors. It gave me a whole new aspect of the importance of our national parks.
November 5, 2020
A gem. Only have known Muir as a figure, and have never studied him in depth or read his writings. His writing is stirring and has a quality that cuts right through to the soul and guides the mind. I understand why he was so effective at the important work he did.
April 24, 2016
As this is the centennial of the National Park Service, I have made a point to pick up several of the published works from its many founding fathers this year. John Muir is certainly one of these. For a book written in 1901, it is remarkable how many of the issues he depicts at the dawn of the environmental movement; from deforestation to loss of species; still resonate today. A great book from a giant.
April 12, 2012
Wonderful book to help us appreciate what God has created for us. His writing is poetic.
August 28, 2020
Although it dragged at times, Our National Parks eventually won me over. John Muir's prose can be verbose and lists of the Latin names of flora and fauna made me tune out at times, but you can't help but be caught up in Muir's enthusiasm for our national parks. I've been to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks but his descriptions of them made me long to go back! The sights...the sounds...the smells...I vividly remember them. This description of Yellowstone was spot on: "These valleys at the heads of the great rivers may be regarded as laboratories and kitchens, in which, amid a thousand retorts and pots, we may see Nature at work as chemist or cook, cunningly compounding an infinite variety of mineral messes; cooking whole mountains; boiling and steaming flinty rocks to smooth paste and mush,--yellow, brown, red, pink, lavender, gray, and creamy white,--making the most beautiful mud in the world; and distilling the most ethereal essences." Can't you just picture Nature as a chemist, mixing up her compounds in test tubes and flasks and then dumping the colorful contents into the pots and cauldrons of Yellowstone? Picture this experience of a mountaineer waking up in the morning in Yosemite: "...imagine the show on calm dewy mornings, when there is a radiant globe in the throat of every flower, and smaller gems on the needle-shaped leaves, the sunbeams pouring thr0ugh them."
Muir also has many of the same complaints we have today. He contrasts park rangers with politicians: "In pleasing contrast to the noisy, ever changing management, or mismanagement, of blundering, plundering, money-making vote-sellers who receive their places from boss politicians as purchased goods, the soldiers do their duty so quietly that the traveler is scarce aware of their presence." Muir must be turning over in his grave, witnessing the destruction of our wilderness by Trump and the Republican Party.
I've personally been asked why I would want to hike or camp, with all the "dangerous" animals out there, such as bears and rattlesnakes. Muir was faced with the same question: "...again and again...the question comes up, "What are rattlesnakes good for? As if nothing that does not obviously make for the benefit of man had any right to exist..."
But Muir also has a great sense of humor. When talking about the ubiquitous chaparral in Yosemite, he says, "Even bears take pains to go around the stoutest patches if possible, and when compelled to force a passage leave tufts of hair and broken branches to mark their way, while less skillful mountaineers under like circumstances sometimes lose most of their clothing and all of their temper." I love his exasperation with visitors to Yosemite: "Travelers in the Sierra forest usually complain of the want of life. "The trees, they say, "are fine but the empty stillness is deadly; there are no animals to be seen, no birds. We have not heard a song in all the woods." And no wonder! They go in large parties with mules and horses; they make a great noise; they are dressed in outlandish unnatural colors; every animal shuns them. Even the frightened pines would run away if they could."
The last chapter is probably my favorite. It's John Muir's plea for the preservation of our unique and spectacular national parks. Remember, he wrote this in the late 1800s: "The United States government has always been proud of the welcome it has extended to good men of every nation, seeking freedom and homes and bread. Let them be welcomed still as nature welcomes them...Every place is made better by them." (Yes, he's talking about immigrants, Trump.) And, in a warning about the destruction of the beautiful, ancient trees in our National Parks: "...God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand straining, leveling tempests and floods, but he cannot save them from fools--only Uncle Sam can do that." Trump and the Republicans would do well do heed this warning, but I don't hold out much hope. Trump can't even pronounce Yosemite correctly.
Muir also has many of the same complaints we have today. He contrasts park rangers with politicians: "In pleasing contrast to the noisy, ever changing management, or mismanagement, of blundering, plundering, money-making vote-sellers who receive their places from boss politicians as purchased goods, the soldiers do their duty so quietly that the traveler is scarce aware of their presence." Muir must be turning over in his grave, witnessing the destruction of our wilderness by Trump and the Republican Party.
I've personally been asked why I would want to hike or camp, with all the "dangerous" animals out there, such as bears and rattlesnakes. Muir was faced with the same question: "...again and again...the question comes up, "What are rattlesnakes good for? As if nothing that does not obviously make for the benefit of man had any right to exist..."
But Muir also has a great sense of humor. When talking about the ubiquitous chaparral in Yosemite, he says, "Even bears take pains to go around the stoutest patches if possible, and when compelled to force a passage leave tufts of hair and broken branches to mark their way, while less skillful mountaineers under like circumstances sometimes lose most of their clothing and all of their temper." I love his exasperation with visitors to Yosemite: "Travelers in the Sierra forest usually complain of the want of life. "The trees, they say, "are fine but the empty stillness is deadly; there are no animals to be seen, no birds. We have not heard a song in all the woods." And no wonder! They go in large parties with mules and horses; they make a great noise; they are dressed in outlandish unnatural colors; every animal shuns them. Even the frightened pines would run away if they could."
The last chapter is probably my favorite. It's John Muir's plea for the preservation of our unique and spectacular national parks. Remember, he wrote this in the late 1800s: "The United States government has always been proud of the welcome it has extended to good men of every nation, seeking freedom and homes and bread. Let them be welcomed still as nature welcomes them...Every place is made better by them." (Yes, he's talking about immigrants, Trump.) And, in a warning about the destruction of the beautiful, ancient trees in our National Parks: "...God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand straining, leveling tempests and floods, but he cannot save them from fools--only Uncle Sam can do that." Trump and the Republicans would do well do heed this warning, but I don't hold out much hope. Trump can't even pronounce Yosemite correctly.
January 1, 2023
A soaring celebration of America's natural beauty combined with a call to action to prevent its destruction. One of the best books I've read in a long time; for each quote in this review, there are a dozen equally beautiful excerpts I could have selected instead.
I've spent some of my happiest days wandering through forests, and John Muir captures the sense of wonder better than any author I've ever read: "Leaving the workaday lowlands, and wandering into the heart of the mountains, we find a new world, and stand beside the majestic pines and firs and sequoias silent and awe-stricken, as if in the presence of superior beings new arrived from some other star, so calm and bright and godlike they are."
Muir's awe at the country's landscape is matched by his fury at the developers, railroads, loggers, and others who at the time were busy destroying it: "Even in Congress a sizable chunk of gold, carefully concealed, will outtalk and outfight all the nation on a subject like forestry, well smothered in ignorance, and in which the money interests of only a few are conspicuously involved. Under these circumstances, the bawling, blethering oratorical stuff drowns the voice of God himself."
The book ends on a hopeful note, which predicts the growing influence of the environmental movement in the 20th century: "Through all the wonderful, eventful centuries since Christ's time-and long before that- God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand straining, leveling tempests and floods; but he cannot save them from fools,--only Uncle Sam can do that."
I've spent some of my happiest days wandering through forests, and John Muir captures the sense of wonder better than any author I've ever read: "Leaving the workaday lowlands, and wandering into the heart of the mountains, we find a new world, and stand beside the majestic pines and firs and sequoias silent and awe-stricken, as if in the presence of superior beings new arrived from some other star, so calm and bright and godlike they are."
Muir's awe at the country's landscape is matched by his fury at the developers, railroads, loggers, and others who at the time were busy destroying it: "Even in Congress a sizable chunk of gold, carefully concealed, will outtalk and outfight all the nation on a subject like forestry, well smothered in ignorance, and in which the money interests of only a few are conspicuously involved. Under these circumstances, the bawling, blethering oratorical stuff drowns the voice of God himself."
The book ends on a hopeful note, which predicts the growing influence of the environmental movement in the 20th century: "Through all the wonderful, eventful centuries since Christ's time-and long before that- God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand straining, leveling tempests and floods; but he cannot save them from fools,--only Uncle Sam can do that."
March 13, 2021
I didn’t love all of this book some of it was a little boring and out of date compared to what I see of the national parks. A lot of it covered mainly California national parks a little in Washington and Oregon and glacier. I wonder what John Muir would’ve said if he had been to Zion national Park. However, this book was full of soooo many great quotes!!
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life. Awakening from the stupefying effects of the vice of over-industry and the deadly apathy of luxury, they are trying as best they can to mix and enrich their own little ongoings with those of Nature, and to get rid of rust and disease.”
“Lake McDonald, full of brisk trout, is in the heart of this forest, and Avalanche Lake is ten miles above McDonald, at the feet of a group of glacier-laden mountains. Give a month at least to this precious reserve. The time will not be taken from the sum of your life.”
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life. Awakening from the stupefying effects of the vice of over-industry and the deadly apathy of luxury, they are trying as best they can to mix and enrich their own little ongoings with those of Nature, and to get rid of rust and disease.”
“Lake McDonald, full of brisk trout, is in the heart of this forest, and Avalanche Lake is ten miles above McDonald, at the feet of a group of glacier-laden mountains. Give a month at least to this precious reserve. The time will not be taken from the sum of your life.”
April 17, 2020
As a huge hiker and outdoor enthusiast, this book is a must. One can not help but wonder about the surroundings of their "first summer of the sierra". This book does that and more. It gives the scientific names for wildflowers, animals, birds and trees of Yosemite. Most of the book is on the beloved Yosemite, but a few chapters focus on Yellowstone and Sequoia National Parks. The most challenging part is getting through Muir's plethora of knowledge of flora, particularly in the Yosemite region.
At the time of writing the essays from this book, there were only a handful of national parks in the United States. He recommends the protections of what was soon to become the Grand Canyon and Redwood National Parks. His call to action for the protection of the forests in the U.S during times of corporate greed and very little regulation were unprecedented and hopefully raised eyebrows to the Federal Government to protect more land. Hopefully more people will follow Muir's example to appreciate the vital forests of America's land.
At the time of writing the essays from this book, there were only a handful of national parks in the United States. He recommends the protections of what was soon to become the Grand Canyon and Redwood National Parks. His call to action for the protection of the forests in the U.S during times of corporate greed and very little regulation were unprecedented and hopefully raised eyebrows to the Federal Government to protect more land. Hopefully more people will follow Muir's example to appreciate the vital forests of America's land.
June 7, 2021
Muir writes with such passion and earnestness, that it’s somewhat easier to forgive his tendency toward verbosity. His lack of forthrightness is based in his extensive knowledge of the flora in the landscapes that he describes, but I feel like he could get his point across without naming every single flower or bush that he comes across.
The true gem in this particular book, in my opinion, is Muir’s interaction with Emerson. Muir pleads with Emerson to join him for camping out, just for a short while; an experience that Muir believes Emerson is one of few who would truly gather in the spiritual essence of the countryside. Alas, Emerson is unwilling, or at least is convinced by his entourage that his health is not to a standard that would allow him to accompany Muir. It’s an unfortunate and sad scene as Muir and Emerson part ways, ne’er to meet again in this life. Muir is at his finest when detailing his interactions with individuals, but his reverence for the sequoias nearly rivals these passages.
The true gem in this particular book, in my opinion, is Muir’s interaction with Emerson. Muir pleads with Emerson to join him for camping out, just for a short while; an experience that Muir believes Emerson is one of few who would truly gather in the spiritual essence of the countryside. Alas, Emerson is unwilling, or at least is convinced by his entourage that his health is not to a standard that would allow him to accompany Muir. It’s an unfortunate and sad scene as Muir and Emerson part ways, ne’er to meet again in this life. Muir is at his finest when detailing his interactions with individuals, but his reverence for the sequoias nearly rivals these passages.
December 22, 2023
This one is a weird one to rate. More like a 2.5, rounded up. It's slow reading, yet a poetic and beautiful collection of essays. It was interesting to see how much has changed in the parks system, and even more so how much stays the same/predictions that came true. It is inspiring and makes me desire even more than I did to see these places in person.
Weirdly, it is called "Our National Parks", yet about half of it focuses exclusively on Yosemite NP.
🍁🍂⛰️🌳🌲🏔️🌼🌻❄️🌿🍃
On the flip side, it was written in 1900. Obviously it is dated, and not all of the ideals/facts hold up in modern day.
Also, while John Muir has been idolized as one of the fathers of the National Parks and as a nature writer/early environmentalist, he does also carry & write some of his racist views into the book. It's not necessarily surprising, considering he was born prior to the Civil War, but the animals and landscapes of the parks are definitely in his mind of higher value than certain people groups. It doesn't make it right
Weirdly, it is called "Our National Parks", yet about half of it focuses exclusively on Yosemite NP.
🍁🍂⛰️🌳🌲🏔️🌼🌻❄️🌿🍃
On the flip side, it was written in 1900. Obviously it is dated, and not all of the ideals/facts hold up in modern day.
Also, while John Muir has been idolized as one of the fathers of the National Parks and as a nature writer/early environmentalist, he does also carry & write some of his racist views into the book. It's not necessarily surprising, considering he was born prior to the Civil War, but the animals and landscapes of the parks are definitely in his mind of higher value than certain people groups. It doesn't make it right
October 20, 2021
This books starts off pretty slow. I’ve never been to Yosemite or that area of California so many of the species of plants he referred to went over my head and it was tough to get through those first few chapters. Once you get to the chapter on animals in the park, Muir becomes more of an environmental writer as opposed to a botanist trying to write. The book after this point was super enjoyable and well descriptive of the beauty and vastness of the California parks and forests. Ending with a great chapter with some amazing insight into his philosophy and view on the country as a whole and more importantly to the policy regarding protection of our natural resources. Overall a great read though it started slow, this was also my first time reading John Muir, so I know what to expect for next time. Definitely an inspiring read to get you outdoors and appreciate the little things more.
June 15, 2022
There's so much I love about John Muir's writing and at the same time there's so much I could go without. A lot of his descriptions and use of scientific names and the sheer detail and minutiae felt tedious; however, I really loved so much of what he wrote about the National Parks, as few as there were at the time of this book.
What really comes through in his writing is his adoration for God's creations, for nature and its wildness. He has a deep reverence and respect for the wilderness that I find so beautiful and honorable. I picked the book up at a cute little shop near Carmel, CA and was hooked by the first sentence.
"The tendency nowadays to wander in the wildernesses is delightful to see. Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home..."
What really comes through in his writing is his adoration for God's creations, for nature and its wildness. He has a deep reverence and respect for the wilderness that I find so beautiful and honorable. I picked the book up at a cute little shop near Carmel, CA and was hooked by the first sentence.
"The tendency nowadays to wander in the wildernesses is delightful to see. Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home..."
August 11, 2020
I adore John Muir. I think if I could go back in time I'd head for the Sierras and try to meet the man, and marry him. He did so much for our country, and the world -- sparking the creation of our national parks.
But his writing? Not so much. Partially it's the time he's writing in, partially it's his enthusiasm that gushes forth and all over every page. And partially his his obsessive completeness: lists and lists and lists of every conceivable quantifiable object -- flowers, trees, animals, rocks & rills, etc.
So much as I adore the man, this is the third book of his I've tried to read and I just couldn't go it any more, not with 800+ other books waiting to be read. It's just not worth it to trudge through.
But his writing? Not so much. Partially it's the time he's writing in, partially it's his enthusiasm that gushes forth and all over every page. And partially his his obsessive completeness: lists and lists and lists of every conceivable quantifiable object -- flowers, trees, animals, rocks & rills, etc.
So much as I adore the man, this is the third book of his I've tried to read and I just couldn't go it any more, not with 800+ other books waiting to be read. It's just not worth it to trudge through.
February 18, 2021
“And a multitude of still, small voices may be heard directing you to look through all this transient, shifting show of things called “substantial” into the truly substantial, spiritual world whose forms flesh and wood, rock and water, air and sunshine, only veil and conceal, and to learn that here is heaven and the dwelling place of the angels”.
Muir is powerfully evocative. We should all wish to be as enthusiastic about ANY one good thing as Muir is about communing with the outdoors.
“Through interpretation, understanding. Through understand, appreciation. Through appreciation, protection”. Muir works powerfully at this transformative process in everything he writes, particularly in the close of this book.
Sit beside the trees, read his words, then sit some more.
Muir is powerfully evocative. We should all wish to be as enthusiastic about ANY one good thing as Muir is about communing with the outdoors.
“Through interpretation, understanding. Through understand, appreciation. Through appreciation, protection”. Muir works powerfully at this transformative process in everything he writes, particularly in the close of this book.
Sit beside the trees, read his words, then sit some more.
December 13, 2019
This was more a catalog of flora and fauna than it was a narrative. However, it was a very readable and enjoyable catalog.
With one exception. It bothers me no end when outdoors type people complain about all of the other people who don’t take the time and effort to really get to know the parks they so love. Granted. But the men and women who put together their hiking boots in factories and only get two weeks of vacation a year, if that, simply don’t have the opportunity. Instead of castigating those who can’t, those who love the parks should work to give others more opportunity.
With one exception. It bothers me no end when outdoors type people complain about all of the other people who don’t take the time and effort to really get to know the parks they so love. Granted. But the men and women who put together their hiking boots in factories and only get two weeks of vacation a year, if that, simply don’t have the opportunity. Instead of castigating those who can’t, those who love the parks should work to give others more opportunity.
January 15, 2020
John Muir's nature writing is excellent (I was able to identify numerous species of plants and animals that I myself had seen in the Sierras/mountains in SoCal, a hundred or so years later). It can be, admittedly, a little redundant and tedious at times; this is a good collection of essays to be sure, but they have a strong tendency to echo each other at times. It's best read over a few weeks, to allow time between essays. Also, I would like to note that John Muir's environmental advocacy often feels just as pertinent now (sadly) as it did back in 1914. Alas.
January 9, 2024
Muir is certainly a poet! So many delightful turns of phrase, and what a lucky duck he was to get to spend so much time traveling and camping.
I especially enjoyed his discussions of the Pacific Northwest, his time with Emerson and the chapter on the animals of Yosemite.
The way he described the forests of my home made me feel SEEN. So many times, I thought, “Yes, that’s exactly what it’s like, but I could never figure out exactly how to phrase it!”
Worth keeping on one’s classics shelf. 📚 🌳
I especially enjoyed his discussions of the Pacific Northwest, his time with Emerson and the chapter on the animals of Yosemite.
The way he described the forests of my home made me feel SEEN. So many times, I thought, “Yes, that’s exactly what it’s like, but I could never figure out exactly how to phrase it!”
Worth keeping on one’s classics shelf. 📚 🌳
July 13, 2024
Muir's love for all life in the mountains come through poignantly in this book. His brief poetic spells illuminate the magic of nature. However, for every brilliantly written sentence that draws you into the national parks there seems to be a list of scientific names and boring literal descriptions. His passion for all life regardless of its popular significance radiates throughout this book, but I believe that there are some audiences that will appreciate his style and passion more than others.
April 21, 2023
It was intriguing to hear about John Muir’s travels outside of the Yosemite area, which was enjoyable and eye opening. The most capturing part of Muir’s writings was the insight and lens through which he viewed nature. The last chapter was mostly about conservation and protecting the forests and complaints about how land was being managed. While I don’t object to his arguments, and I wanted to learn more about it, it seemed out of place with the previous chapters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2024
I am so glad I finally crossed this book off of my TBR! John Muir writes with such deep love and wonder for the wild country of the United States, and the Sierras in particular, that even the biggest indoor cat won't be able to keep from catching at least some of his enthusiasm. The only thing I would do differently next time I read through (because I definitely will) is to go the physical book route so I can stop and look up all the various plants and animals he references.
February 13, 2019
This book had some great passages. Wonderful descriptions of the scenery, animals, etc that our national parks have to offer. But, quite a bit of it was just seemingly endless lists of scientific names for the different species. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could, as I really enjoyed the majority of it.
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