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Ansel Adams in the National Parks: Photographs from America's Wild Places
The most comprehensive collection of Ansel Adams's photographs of America's national parks and wilderness areas, with more than 200 photographs — many rarely seen and some never before published.
For many people, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and other iconic American wildlands exist in the mind's eye as Ansel Adams photographs. The legendary photographer explored more than forty national parks in his lifetime, producing some of the most indelible images of the natural world ever made. One of the twentieth century's most ardent champions of the park and wilderness systems, Adams also helped preserve additional natural areas and protect existing ones through his photographs, essays, and letter-writing campaigns.
Edited and with commentary by Andrea G. Stillman, the foremost expert on Adams's work, this landmark publication includes quotations by Adams on the making of numerous photographs and essays by Wallace Stegner, William A. Turnage of The Ansel Adams Trust, and journalist and critic Richard B. Woodward. This is a must-own for Ansel Adams fans and all those who, like Adams, treasure America's wilderness.
For many people, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and other iconic American wildlands exist in the mind's eye as Ansel Adams photographs. The legendary photographer explored more than forty national parks in his lifetime, producing some of the most indelible images of the natural world ever made. One of the twentieth century's most ardent champions of the park and wilderness systems, Adams also helped preserve additional natural areas and protect existing ones through his photographs, essays, and letter-writing campaigns.
Edited and with commentary by Andrea G. Stillman, the foremost expert on Adams's work, this landmark publication includes quotations by Adams on the making of numerous photographs and essays by Wallace Stegner, William A. Turnage of The Ansel Adams Trust, and journalist and critic Richard B. Woodward. This is a must-own for Ansel Adams fans and all those who, like Adams, treasure America's wilderness.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2010
12 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Ansel Adams
426 books366 followersPeople note black-and-white photographs of the American wilderness of American photographer Ansel Easton Adams.
Though wilderness and the environment were his grand passions, photography was his calling, his metier, his raison d'etre.
From: Ansel Adams, Photographer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansel_A...
Though wilderness and the environment were his grand passions, photography was his calling, his metier, his raison d'etre.
From: Ansel Adams, Photographer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansel_A...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 31, 2019
One of the best of the Ansel Adams photo books. The photo reproduction is impeccable, and editor Andrea Stillman, who worked for Adams from 1974 to 1980, has included a nice selection of quotes and anecdotes from his writing and correspondence. Enthusiastically recommended. If you've only seen a few of his photos over the years, this collection will be a revelation.
2019 reread. As good as I remembered The cover photo, of Adams on his custom photo station wagon, is quite something!
2019 reread. As good as I remembered The cover photo, of Adams on his custom photo station wagon, is quite something!
October 21, 2010
A fabulous look at the pictures and some of the stories behind these photos of Ansel Adams.
The photos (more than 200) are all in black & white. The attention to detail is stunning! Each photo is truly a work of art. Some of the photos that I really liked are:
The Atlantic from Schoodic Point, Acadia National Park, Maine, 1949
Silver Sword Plant in the Crater of Haleakala, Haleakala National Park, Hawaii, 1948
Sand Dunes, Sunrise, Death Valley National Park, California, c. 1948
Rocks and Grass, Kings Canyon National Park, California, c. 1930 -- the finite detail of the grass makes you think that the grasses would sway if you just blew on the page.
Clouds near Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park, CA, c. 1940
Stump, Interstadial Forest, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, c. 1948
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona, 1937 -- the tall rock looks like a giant being overseeing the valley, below.
Sugar Pine Boughs and Lichen, Yosemite National Park, CA, 1962
Forest and Stream, Late Evening, Yosemite National Park, CA, c. 1936
Siesta Lake, Yosemite National Park, CA, c. 1958
Sea and Rocks, Storm, Schoodic Point, Acadia National Park, Maine, 1949 -- You not only see the powerful surf as it crashes on the rocks, but the "mist" kicked up by that surf!
Leaves, Glacier National Park, Montana, 1942 -- the observer sees the veins and all of the details for each leaf -- exquisite
Burnt Stump and New Grass, Sierra Nevada, CA, 1935 -- the stump looks like a close up / magnified shot of an elephant's leg
Aspen Grove, Jackson Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, c. 1948
Stream and Tree Trunk, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, 1948
Grass in Rain, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, 1948 -- the viewer can see each tiny raindrop on every single blade of grass -- again, the attention to detail ... perfection!
Saguaro Cactus, Saguaro National Park, AZ, 1942
Trailside, Near Juneau, Alaska, 1947
At the end of the book is a section called "Notes on Selected Photographs" by Andrea Stillman. The photos and notes in this section are very interesting!
The photos (more than 200) are all in black & white. The attention to detail is stunning! Each photo is truly a work of art. Some of the photos that I really liked are:
The Atlantic from Schoodic Point, Acadia National Park, Maine, 1949
Silver Sword Plant in the Crater of Haleakala, Haleakala National Park, Hawaii, 1948
Sand Dunes, Sunrise, Death Valley National Park, California, c. 1948
Rocks and Grass, Kings Canyon National Park, California, c. 1930 -- the finite detail of the grass makes you think that the grasses would sway if you just blew on the page.
Clouds near Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park, CA, c. 1940
Stump, Interstadial Forest, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, c. 1948
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona, 1937 -- the tall rock looks like a giant being overseeing the valley, below.
Sugar Pine Boughs and Lichen, Yosemite National Park, CA, 1962
Forest and Stream, Late Evening, Yosemite National Park, CA, c. 1936
Siesta Lake, Yosemite National Park, CA, c. 1958
Sea and Rocks, Storm, Schoodic Point, Acadia National Park, Maine, 1949 -- You not only see the powerful surf as it crashes on the rocks, but the "mist" kicked up by that surf!
Leaves, Glacier National Park, Montana, 1942 -- the observer sees the veins and all of the details for each leaf -- exquisite
Burnt Stump and New Grass, Sierra Nevada, CA, 1935 -- the stump looks like a close up / magnified shot of an elephant's leg
Aspen Grove, Jackson Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, c. 1948
Stream and Tree Trunk, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, 1948
Grass in Rain, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, 1948 -- the viewer can see each tiny raindrop on every single blade of grass -- again, the attention to detail ... perfection!
Saguaro Cactus, Saguaro National Park, AZ, 1942
Trailside, Near Juneau, Alaska, 1947
At the end of the book is a section called "Notes on Selected Photographs" by Andrea Stillman. The photos and notes in this section are very interesting!
July 7, 2014
Drop dead gorgeous photography and insights as to Ansel as a person. This book is really, really worth the money.
January 27, 2021
Wonderful, especially with this year of limited travel and focusing on spending time in nature to relive the exceptional national parks through Adams' eyes. I'm sure I will be revisiting often.
June 2, 2013
Ansel Adams is best known for his black and white photography. He classed himself an amateur, but his work is one of the best I've ever seen. This heavy, finely printed bound book is chock-ful of over 200 never before seen photographs that Ansel Adams took of national parks.
The photography is simply beautiful and breath-taking. He found beauty in the most uncommon places; who really looks at a tree that close? It's a heavy book, perfect for a coffee table, but I am not letting any beverages near mine!
The book is edited by Andrea G. Stillman, she worked for Ansel back in the 1970's. She drew from his archive of letters and writings (published and unpublished) some of Ansel's anecdotes and comments to go with the photographs, which at times are humorous. Ansel visited over forty national parks, which I find phenomenal. I've never even been to one - but his photographs convince me I must go and soon! They are enriched with his own style and vision and his pictures can truly speak for themselves.
This book would make a marvelous holiday gift!!
The photography is simply beautiful and breath-taking. He found beauty in the most uncommon places; who really looks at a tree that close? It's a heavy book, perfect for a coffee table, but I am not letting any beverages near mine!
The book is edited by Andrea G. Stillman, she worked for Ansel back in the 1970's. She drew from his archive of letters and writings (published and unpublished) some of Ansel's anecdotes and comments to go with the photographs, which at times are humorous. Ansel visited over forty national parks, which I find phenomenal. I've never even been to one - but his photographs convince me I must go and soon! They are enriched with his own style and vision and his pictures can truly speak for themselves.
This book would make a marvelous holiday gift!!
February 24, 2011
This may be the finest collection of black and white photographs I have seen. The details and nuances Adams is able to achieve are incredible. Viewing these pictures is restorative and recreates a reverence for nature.
Includes commentaries by Wallace Stegner, among others, that peer into Adams’ philosophies and techniques as well as his conservation efforts. There are a few personal notes from Adams as well that read like poetry. I particularly enjoyed his description of his first visit to Yosemite.
Some interesting info: Adams studied piano for years, intending to be a concert pianist. He worked with natural light, tending to reject darkroom manipulation. He wrote more than 1,000 letters regarding issues of park and wilderness management.
“My task which I am trying to achieve is...before all, to make you see. That—and no more, and it is everything.”
An exquisite, eloquent book.
Includes commentaries by Wallace Stegner, among others, that peer into Adams’ philosophies and techniques as well as his conservation efforts. There are a few personal notes from Adams as well that read like poetry. I particularly enjoyed his description of his first visit to Yosemite.
Some interesting info: Adams studied piano for years, intending to be a concert pianist. He worked with natural light, tending to reject darkroom manipulation. He wrote more than 1,000 letters regarding issues of park and wilderness management.
“My task which I am trying to achieve is...before all, to make you see. That—and no more, and it is everything.”
An exquisite, eloquent book.
October 9, 2010
Lucky winner of a copy via FirstReads.
I have been a long time fan of Ansel Adams and am very happy to have won a copy of this beautiful book. The pictures are stunning (of course) - but the editorial aspects of the book - the insights into Ansel Adams, his photos, his life, the stories, make this much more than just a "picture" book - to be thumbed through once and then discarded on the shelf. Even my husband, an audio only book person at the moment, has been stealing this away to read and page through. This is a book to read and enjoy and display. Thanks to the publisher for making this a FirstRead - we are so very happy to have received it.
I have been a long time fan of Ansel Adams and am very happy to have won a copy of this beautiful book. The pictures are stunning (of course) - but the editorial aspects of the book - the insights into Ansel Adams, his photos, his life, the stories, make this much more than just a "picture" book - to be thumbed through once and then discarded on the shelf. Even my husband, an audio only book person at the moment, has been stealing this away to read and page through. This is a book to read and enjoy and display. Thanks to the publisher for making this a FirstRead - we are so very happy to have received it.
April 11, 2026
Nothing personifies the beauty of the American West than the photographs of Ansel Adams. Ansel Adams in the National Parks: Photographs from America's Wild Places is a definitive photographic record of the symbiotic relationship between man and the wilderness.
The heart of this collection lies in its 225 photographs, many of which are iconic, while others remain rare gems. The book captures the overwhelming scale of the American landscape, from the jagged granite cathedrals of Yosemite to the haunting, prehistoric textures of the Grand Canyon. Adams’ mastery of light and shadow—his signature use of high contrast and meticulous composition—transforms landscapes into something monumental. Mountains feel more imposing, skies more dramatic, and forests more sacred. The reproductions are exceptional, maintaining the deep blacks and brilliant whites that made Adams’ original silver gelatin prints legendary.
The essays trace his journey from a young man exploring the Sierra Nevada with a heavy tripod to a national figure lobbying in Washington D.C. for the protection of these "sacred" spaces. Whether you are a photography student, a National Park enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates the sublime beauty of nature, this book is a foundational piece of Americana. It serves as a powerful reminder that these landscapes are both timeless and fragile.
The heart of this collection lies in its 225 photographs, many of which are iconic, while others remain rare gems. The book captures the overwhelming scale of the American landscape, from the jagged granite cathedrals of Yosemite to the haunting, prehistoric textures of the Grand Canyon. Adams’ mastery of light and shadow—his signature use of high contrast and meticulous composition—transforms landscapes into something monumental. Mountains feel more imposing, skies more dramatic, and forests more sacred. The reproductions are exceptional, maintaining the deep blacks and brilliant whites that made Adams’ original silver gelatin prints legendary.
The essays trace his journey from a young man exploring the Sierra Nevada with a heavy tripod to a national figure lobbying in Washington D.C. for the protection of these "sacred" spaces. Whether you are a photography student, a National Park enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates the sublime beauty of nature, this book is a foundational piece of Americana. It serves as a powerful reminder that these landscapes are both timeless and fragile.
August 15, 2022
All I knew about Ansel Adams before reading Ansel Adams in the nation parks is that he was a photographer. I was surprised to learn that he was from San Francisco and that before deciding to become a photographer he was training to be a concert pianist.
As I was looking at some of the photographs I thought about what it would be like to be in those places taking them. I can see how someone would want to do that for a living.
I thought Ansel Adams in the national parks was a fun read. Especially since a lot of it was pictures.
As I was looking at some of the photographs I thought about what it would be like to be in those places taking them. I can see how someone would want to do that for a living.
I thought Ansel Adams in the national parks was a fun read. Especially since a lot of it was pictures.
January 29, 2025
Beautiful collection of over 200 photographs of over 40 National Parks taken over 50 plus years. The book includes a few essays that tell about the photos, how were taken and/or developed, and of Ansel Adams.
Although you get a brief synopsis of Adams life you find out he was a child protege studying the piano. Due to contacting influenzas as a teen he was given the book 'In the Heart of the Sierras' by James M. Hutchings and that was the beginning of a long love for the Sierra Nevada and the stunning photos he shared with all.
Although you get a brief synopsis of Adams life you find out he was a child protege studying the piano. Due to contacting influenzas as a teen he was given the book 'In the Heart of the Sierras' by James M. Hutchings and that was the beginning of a long love for the Sierra Nevada and the stunning photos he shared with all.
February 17, 2017
Beautiful. Stunning. of course
January 26, 2018
This book is on my coffee table right now, and ready for whenever I want to see some great pictures of the west.
October 4, 2018
Bits of information on Ansel's life gathered from interviews, biographers, and personal letters along with 200+ photos made throughout his career...this collection is fantastic.
June 27, 2022
3.75 / 5.0
Lots of pictures of varying quality.
Narrative is spotty
Lots of pictures of varying quality.
Narrative is spotty
May 24, 2023
Stunning imagines with nice antidotes peppered throughout.
July 5, 2023
This man was a visual scribe forcing the thousand-word photograph into being. His eyes caused a myriad to salute Yosemite with their smitten hearts and a few more with their soles.
October 22, 2010
What I Can Tell You:
I have always been interested in Ansel Adams. As someone who calls themselves an amateur photographer, his use of black and white has always amazed me. It was so fun to open this huge book chock full of Ansel Adams rarely seen photos. It was fascinating to hear the rational behind the photos. Ansel was a visionary who has documented some of the most beautiful nature photos. How can a man who worked in black and white have had such a career? I never know when to use black and white and found myself in awe of Ansel's vision and use of light.
"A photograph is made, not taken." I love that line from the book. This week I told two people who noticed my camera and said, they can't take good photos with their current camera and wish they had a camera like mine. Both were told as nicely as possible, that it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on a camera. It is the photographer who makes the picture, not the camera. My entire life, I have been told, your camera takes great pictures. More often than not I was insulted by the statement. After 8 camera's and many years of maturation, I just roll my eyes at that statement.
Ansel Adams In The National Parks is a great gift for the photographer in your life, the Ansel fan, or just for someone who appreciates the beauty of the glorious world we live in.
I have always been interested in Ansel Adams. As someone who calls themselves an amateur photographer, his use of black and white has always amazed me. It was so fun to open this huge book chock full of Ansel Adams rarely seen photos. It was fascinating to hear the rational behind the photos. Ansel was a visionary who has documented some of the most beautiful nature photos. How can a man who worked in black and white have had such a career? I never know when to use black and white and found myself in awe of Ansel's vision and use of light.
"A photograph is made, not taken." I love that line from the book. This week I told two people who noticed my camera and said, they can't take good photos with their current camera and wish they had a camera like mine. Both were told as nicely as possible, that it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on a camera. It is the photographer who makes the picture, not the camera. My entire life, I have been told, your camera takes great pictures. More often than not I was insulted by the statement. After 8 camera's and many years of maturation, I just roll my eyes at that statement.
Ansel Adams In The National Parks is a great gift for the photographer in your life, the Ansel fan, or just for someone who appreciates the beauty of the glorious world we live in.
November 8, 2010
From my book review blog, Rundpinne.
When I received Ansel Adams in the National Parks: Photographs from America’s Wild Places I immediately knew it was a book that I would treasure and one I would never be able to adequately describe in a book review. Ansel Adams in the National Parks is an exquisite book of America’s National Parks interspersed with the stories of Ansel Adams’ thoughts on the 40 various parks he visited and photographed throughout his lifetime. Filled with over 225 breathtaking photographs and excerpts of Ansel Adams’ letters and writings as a lifelong environmentalist, Ansel Adams in the National Parks is beautiful book to own and view time and time again. Personally, this is a book I will be adding to my list of titles to be given as gifts. I highly recommend Ansel Adams in the National Parks to anyone whether one is an art lover, environmentalist, historian, fan of Ansel Adams, or someone looking for a gift that will be appreciated throughout time, one cannot go wrong with this book. JH/Rundpinne/2010
When I received Ansel Adams in the National Parks: Photographs from America’s Wild Places I immediately knew it was a book that I would treasure and one I would never be able to adequately describe in a book review. Ansel Adams in the National Parks is an exquisite book of America’s National Parks interspersed with the stories of Ansel Adams’ thoughts on the 40 various parks he visited and photographed throughout his lifetime. Filled with over 225 breathtaking photographs and excerpts of Ansel Adams’ letters and writings as a lifelong environmentalist, Ansel Adams in the National Parks is beautiful book to own and view time and time again. Personally, this is a book I will be adding to my list of titles to be given as gifts. I highly recommend Ansel Adams in the National Parks to anyone whether one is an art lover, environmentalist, historian, fan of Ansel Adams, or someone looking for a gift that will be appreciated throughout time, one cannot go wrong with this book. JH/Rundpinne/2010
July 17, 2016
This selection of Ansel's works combines his more well known and iconic images with some lesser known treasures. As the national parks turn 100 this year, its ever more pressing that Americans take a moment to stop, cherish and visit these wild places in an ever more fast-paced world. To see them through the minds eye of one of America's most celebrated artists is a worth while endeavor indeed!
While some of his work is inevitably missing, this book does a good job at bringing many of his photographs alive. The book could have done more to tell Adam's personal story, but instead chooses to focus on his art, which left me feeling like something was missing. Overall however, this book has incredible value given the price ($28 on Amazon) and should prove a wonderful and timely companion this year.
While some of his work is inevitably missing, this book does a good job at bringing many of his photographs alive. The book could have done more to tell Adam's personal story, but instead chooses to focus on his art, which left me feeling like something was missing. Overall however, this book has incredible value given the price ($28 on Amazon) and should prove a wonderful and timely companion this year.
January 2, 2011
Another First Reads win! This may be the best and most meaningful First Reads book for me.
This book serves as an incredible portfolio of some of Adams's work in our national parks. The photography both inspires and intimidates me. (If you practice a craft of any kind, you'll understand that feeling.) The photographs are phenomenal and the reproduction of them in the book is first-rate. As much as I love the photographs in the book, though, I enjoyed reading about Adams and his techniques, his philosophy of and approach to photography, and his passion for the outdoors. If you enjoy photography, this book should be on your to-read list.
This book serves as an incredible portfolio of some of Adams's work in our national parks. The photography both inspires and intimidates me. (If you practice a craft of any kind, you'll understand that feeling.) The photographs are phenomenal and the reproduction of them in the book is first-rate. As much as I love the photographs in the book, though, I enjoyed reading about Adams and his techniques, his philosophy of and approach to photography, and his passion for the outdoors. If you enjoy photography, this book should be on your to-read list.
December 14, 2010
Born on February 20, 1902, Ansell Adams has captured the hearts of millions of people with his photographs. He is most famous for his photographs in United States National Parks during the depression.
Ansell Adams in National Parks is a treasure that all fans will adore. With crisp black and white photography, Adams made the parks come alive for people who were unable to see them for themselves. His photographs have inspired a nation to take better care of nature.
Packed with over..Read the rest of my review here
Ansell Adams in National Parks is a treasure that all fans will adore. With crisp black and white photography, Adams made the parks come alive for people who were unable to see them for themselves. His photographs have inspired a nation to take better care of nature.
Packed with over..Read the rest of my review here
October 18, 2010
This is an amazing book and a great addition to any collection. This hard-cover edition features more than 200 breathtaking photographs of national parks. In addition, it features essays that give insight into the life and philosophy of Ansel Adams. Whether you are a student of photography, a fan of Ansel Adams, or you just want a beautiful volume for your coffee table, I highly recommend this book.
November 26, 2010
Ansel Adams in the National Parks is such a cool book! Filled with over 200 black and white images taken in the National Parks this book is beautifully done. Included are pictures from over 40 National Parks & Monuments. The photographs brought back many memories from trips I have taken to Yosemite, Yellowstone, Mt. Rainier, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Carlsbad Caverns & Glacier National Park.
Full review:
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....
Full review:
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....
December 15, 2010
A truly fantastic collection of Adam's black and white photography of national parks throughout the US. Interspersed among the photos are passages taken from letters Adams' wrote to friends and family, along with interesting bits of trivia and stories about Adams. A true environmentalist at heart, every photograph taken was a message to the importance of preserving pristine areas of nature for posterity.
January 7, 2011
Many classic Ansel Adams photos collected here. I especially liked the text that went with the photos, putting them in context. I was surprised that most of the photos were taken in the 30's and 40's. My favorite high school science teacher took a class from Ansel at Yosemite, and this book shows Ansel doing just that.
April 11, 2011
Absolutely fantastic collection of the work of Ansel Adams. It makes me appreciate all of the time I've spent, and will spend, in the National Parks.
June 12, 2013
Some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. The places I have been that Adams has photographed are breathtaking and the places I haven't yet been I long very much to see.
October 1, 2013
Love this book. Outstanding collection of beautiful photos taken in the National Parks.
June 25, 2015
Adams is one of my all-time favourite photographers. The essays accompanying some of his more extraordinary images are enlightening and educational.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews