Publisher Description
In the late 1800s, John Muir made several trips to the pristine, relatively unexplored territory of Alaska, irresistibly drawn to its awe-inspiring glaciers and its wild menagerie of bears, bald eagles, wolves, and whales. Half poet and half geologist, he recorded his experiences and reflections in Travels in Alaska, a work he was in the process of completing at the time of his death in 1914.
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“Reading John Muir is inspiring for sure, and appalling in many ways. Today, many people are concerned about having the best gear for their short visits to nature, and around the turn of the century, Muir was jovial to have any gear at all for his long journeys. Soaked, malnurished, and likely dehydrated, Muir explored some of the most unforgiving terrain in North America. Sleeping on devil’s club, and prefering a night under Auroras to a warm cabin, Muir describes an insatiable appetite for understanding the natural world. Muir’s knowledge of plants, geology, and native culture is additionally impressive for the late 1800’s and remains impressive to this day. We can likely thank Muir for Alaska’s national parks, particularly Glacier Bay. Compare Muir’s descriptions to the condition of Alaska’s glaciers today and we are provided a grim lesson on Anthro-terra dynamics. A must read for shiney nails.”
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Forest (4 out of 5 stars)
