In Donald Worster's magisterial biography, John Muir's "special self" is fully explored as is his extraordinary ability, then and now, to get other...
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Feb 17, 2009
Greg
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I found this book to be extremely engrossing. I didn't know that John Muir was considered one of Ralph Waldo Emerson's men. The author, Donald Worster, has a good grasp on the delicate balance between appealing to the people to break out of the rat race to appreciate natural wonders and appealing to the powerful such as Theodore Roosevelt and the railroad magnate, Harriman. John Muir's life was an amazing force that helped establish national parks and monuments all over the western US. He was un
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Aug 25, 2009
Ann-maree
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Absolutely agree with Tim Palmer and I quote....
This biography by the eminent historian Donald Worster is nothing less than magnificent. Clearly the most authoritative account of America's founding conservationist, it is painstakingly researched, thoroughly pondered, brilliantly imagined, and luminously crafted.
From the backdrop of nineteenth century Scotland where John Muir was born to a world torn by the Great War and an unstoppable avalanche of social and econom More...
Apr 01, 2009
Andy
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In the popular imagination, John Muir spent his life as an unfettered rambler, tramping through the Sierra Nevadas and writing about nature. It’s a great image, but in truth Muir didn’t arrive in California until he was nearly thirty years old, and then he spent only six years freely exploring the Sierras before settling near San Francisco, marrying, and eventually becoming a prosperous ranch manager. Later in life he did continue to travel and explore, but increasingly Alaska and its glacial to
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Jul 03, 2011
Alexander
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Fascinating to finally read a full account of John Muir's incredible life. Although I've read most everything he published, it was impossible to get a nonpartisan view of Muir and an all-encompassing portrait of the man and his life. The author was able to craft a very compelling and revealing narrative of the great, charming man without turning a blind eye to Muir's faults or the fact that later in life Muir became much more of a well-to-do businessman (as a grower/farmer) more comfortable with
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Feb 03, 2010
Katy
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The second of two Donald Worster books I've read. The first of which was Rivers of Empire. Since I loved "Rivers" - I was eager to see this historian's approach to a biography. I have to say, I am not disappointed. Thorough and presented with oodles of historical and ideological context of the period, this biography creates a truly comprehensive vision of the life and times of John Muir. I suspect that I have yet to fully realize the effects of this Muir biography. Most obvious effects
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Nov 12, 2010
Well read some of it then got bored but then thats possibly due to the fact that i find autobiographies easier and nicer to read. Also i'd rather read a few more stories of Women pioneers and adventurers. I'm getting a bit fed up of all the obvious hero's being male. Womens stories are so much harder to find sadly.
Jul 30, 2011
Best non-fiction I read this year. Dense, but fascinating. Starts with his early life in Scotland. I knew of his California activities, but hadn't realized he spent so much time in Glacier Bay, traveled the world extensively, and even came here to Hawaii while Stevenson was here.
Aug 16, 2010
Paul
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A biography of a unique and significant American by one of the best American historians writing today. Muir abandoned orthodox Christian faith for a Nature religion of sorts but launched conservation movement and the establishment of national parks and forests.
Oct 03, 2011
Carol
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This was an engrossing biography of the life of John Muir. For nature lovers, I recommend reading this well-researched biograqphy of one of the great outdoorsmen and conservationists of United States history.
Aug 17, 2009
Amy
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Good book! Well written and engaging. Muir was what I call the first conservationalist and was very important for the preservation of the western US forest lands. He is up there with Emerson and Thoreau in my book.
Jul 20, 2009
Kc_beadle
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Enjoyable historical perspective by the author so far of the circumstances surrounding the youth and development of one of our great minds and leaders in our history.
May 18, 2011
Maura
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Really good biography of Muir who lived through some of America's most remembered history - Civil War to WWI.
Nov 23, 2009
Gordon
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The book provided a good historical account of John Muir's life. However the author seemed to have another agenda throughout the book; it seemed that he was set on trying to make Muir into something he was not, a modern day secular humanist. John Muir was a pragmatic nature lover; he had no grand political agenda. His political involvement was limited to conversation at every turn. The book could have been better had the author focused on the extraordinary man that John Muir was instead of who h
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Nov 02, 2010
Maeghan
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I'm having a hard time getting through this book. It's very interesting, but biographies just aren't my thing. I'm recommitting to it today, 11/11, so I can finish it by Thanksgiving!
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Finished!
A thorough look at the life of John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club, philosopher of nature, lover of all things wild and beautiful. A must-read for anyone interested in the natural world and the roots of American environmentalism.
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Finished!
A thorough look at the life of John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club, philosopher of nature, lover of all things wild and beautiful. A must-read for anyone interested in the natural world and the roots of American environmentalism.
Feb 07, 2010
Louisa
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After watching the Ken Burns series NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA'S BEST IDEA on PBS (thank you PBS) a once again fell in love with John Muir. Having read several other offerings on the life of Muir, I found Mr. Worster's work and am enjoying it immensely. What's not to enjoy? Muir defined my belief in a Higher Power many years ago and I find such a solace in reading about him once again.
Nov 12, 2011
Amanda
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I read this book for an American History of the West class and thoroughly enjoyed it. John Muir was a crazy-passionate man for the Yosemite valley.
Sep 23, 2011
Marian
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A well documented chronology of John Muir's life and the beginnings of the conservationist movement in America..
Aug 21, 2009
Kevin
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Very comprehensive, but a bit slow at times. Fascinating life story, though.
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