MY FIRST SUMMER IN THE SIERRA: A John Muir Book | Original Illustrated Edition

A gorgeous set of photos illustrates John Muir's fluid and enticing prose. Makes you want to drop everything and go backpack in the Sierra for the rest of your life. Muir reminds us of the inextricable connections between animals (including us) and the environment. Already at the time he was writing people with an eye to making quick bucks were digging, uprooting, trashing, deforesting, mining mindlessly. Muir bemoans the disrespectful and greedy approach that Anglos ("white" people) had toward nature as an object to be possessed and exploited for immediate profit.Things have gotten much worse since he wrote this seminal book.

An exuberant, sometimes amusing account by John Muir. It is difficult to recall anyone who so enthusiastically loves nature. All those traveling to Yosemite should read this volume, enhanced by lovely photographs and samples of Muir's drawings and journal entries.

This book is a travel diary written by John Muir, in the summer of 1869. After the Civil War when John Muir returned from Canada, he secured a position with Carlo, a shepherd who was moving a herd of 2500 sheep up to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Muir, who loved nature and the Yosemite region, jumped at the chance to join the group as a naturalist. He would document the journey, the wildlife, and the scenery along the way.Readers read Muir’s recollections which are sometimes verbatim details, but also feel the emotion in his voice as he describes the grandeur and majesty of his surroundings. Muir’s love and appreciation of life forms in their natural surroundings come through as he excitedly reports his discoveries. This edition includes maps, drawings, and sketches. For those who appreciate the beauty of the planet, but cannot trek 9,000 feet up into the Sierras, one learns to appreciate the wildlife, the majesty of the sequoias, and the beauty of its pristine waters. Recommended for nature and travel lovers.

Didn't expect too much from this book but what a wonderful surprise. Muir recounts his days wandering near the mountains of Yosemite.

John Muir's account of the Sierras in the middle of the 19th century is truly fascinating, particularly if you are familiar with the terrain, flora and fauna. His extensive use of generic nominclature could be intimidating. Highly recommended.

Lovely clear descriptive writing style, with keen observations and joy in an era of magical freedom to wander the vast unspoilt wilderness of the Sierra.

This is my favorite book by John Muir. Have it as an ebook, but purchased this for my teen grand daughter after her trip thru Sequoia Natl Park and the Pacific Northwest. Beautifully illustrated.

Loved reading John Muir’s descriptions of his adventures in the Sierras

E' il diario di un'esperienza appassionata e trasmette tutto l'entusiasmo di John Muir per quei territori che, soprattutto grazie a lui, sono diventati lo Yosemite National Park.Passione ed entusiasmo alimentano la voglia di descrivere ogni aspetto del territorio e della vita che scorre in esso.L'attenzione passa dal più piccolo insetto alla più imponente montagna per poi tornare alla meraviglia di ogni fioritura in un territorio che ogni estate si risveglia con la forza prorompente della natura.E' una finestra aperta su un luogo e su un tempo remoti.Muir ci mette il cuore e la conoscenza per regalarci delle perle di poesia tra i tanti dettagli che il suo spirito attento ha saputo raccogliere.Chi conosce Yosemite non potrà non amarlo, è quasi come ritornarci.

He paints a wonderful picture of discovery as he discovers the Sierra Nevada Mountains.