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Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship that Saved Yosemite
* “We see through this book the immense power of language…to change the minds of lawmakers and tourists alike.” — The New York Times Book Review * “A poignant portrait of an era when mere words could change the world.” — San Francisco Chronicle *
The dramatic and uplifting story of legendary outdoorsman and conservationist John Muir’s journey to save Yosemite is “a rich, enjoyable excursion into a seminal period in environmental history” ( The Wall Street Journal ).
In June of 1889 in San Francisco, John Muir—iconic environmentalist, writer, and philosopher—meets face-to-face for the first time with his longtime editor Robert Underwood Johnson, an elegant and influential figure at The Century magazine. Before long, the pair, opposites in many ways, decide to venture to Yosemite Valley, the magnificent site where twenty years earlier, Muir experienced a personal and spiritual awakening that would set the course of the rest of his life.
Upon their arrival the men are confronted with a shocking vision, as predatory mining, tourism, and logging industries have plundered and defaced “the grandest of all the special temples of Nature.” While Muir is devastated, Johnson, an arbiter of the era’s pressing issues in the pages of the nation’s most prestigious magazine, decides that he and Muir must fight back. The pact they form marks a watershed moment, leading to the creation of Yosemite National Park, and launching an environmental battle that captivates the nation and ushers in the beginning of the American environmental movement.
“Comprehensively researched and compellingly readable” ( Booklist , starred review), Guardians of the Valley is a moving story of friendship, the written word, and the transformative power of nature. It is also a timely and powerful “origin story” as the towering environmental challenges we face today become increasingly urgent.
The dramatic and uplifting story of legendary outdoorsman and conservationist John Muir’s journey to save Yosemite is “a rich, enjoyable excursion into a seminal period in environmental history” ( The Wall Street Journal ).
In June of 1889 in San Francisco, John Muir—iconic environmentalist, writer, and philosopher—meets face-to-face for the first time with his longtime editor Robert Underwood Johnson, an elegant and influential figure at The Century magazine. Before long, the pair, opposites in many ways, decide to venture to Yosemite Valley, the magnificent site where twenty years earlier, Muir experienced a personal and spiritual awakening that would set the course of the rest of his life.
Upon their arrival the men are confronted with a shocking vision, as predatory mining, tourism, and logging industries have plundered and defaced “the grandest of all the special temples of Nature.” While Muir is devastated, Johnson, an arbiter of the era’s pressing issues in the pages of the nation’s most prestigious magazine, decides that he and Muir must fight back. The pact they form marks a watershed moment, leading to the creation of Yosemite National Park, and launching an environmental battle that captivates the nation and ushers in the beginning of the American environmental movement.
“Comprehensively researched and compellingly readable” ( Booklist , starred review), Guardians of the Valley is a moving story of friendship, the written word, and the transformative power of nature. It is also a timely and powerful “origin story” as the towering environmental challenges we face today become increasingly urgent.
480 pages, Hardcover
Published March 21, 2023
About the author
Dean King
54 books188 followersI like to read, wander cross-country, travel in cultures I don't understand, cycle, play squash, and I'm a foodie. But most of all I like to be in the throes of writing a book. This is invigorating work. The moment when the hard-won research combines with a bit of sweat and blood and occasionally a tear to become a fluid paragraph is like no other. What I hope to achieve is to suspend time and disbelief for the reader and carry her or him into another world, where they live more fully and in the moment.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 2, 2023
This book might be the hardest to rate since I joined Netgalley. It's a good book. Is it a great book? Allow me to unburden myself to you, dear reader.
First things first, I initially would have zoomed right past this title until I saw who the author was. Dean King could make anything interesting. I expected the book to be a good amount of politics and I thought it might bore the heck out of me. But, Dean King has proven me wrong before. Couple that with John Muir and Robert Underwood Johnson and there is a lot to love here. Both men jump off the page and King makes the come alive as people who believe in something and will fight for it.
The trouble for me comes along when the book dives into pure politics. There are stories of John Muir in a blizzard or in a flood and I could not look away. Then, there might be a few pages on a meeting of the Sierra Club. It is in these moments that the pace slowed for me so much. It's not that the information is superfluous. These scenes and facts need to be hear for the narrative. They just don't pack the punch of other portions of the book and it shows.
Ultimately, I would say the following. You will at least like this book. King and his characters are too good. And, if you have ever been to Yosemite (admittedly, I have not), maybe the book packs more punch and is a no doubt 5 star rating. For me, I'll read anything Dean King puts out next, but this won't won't go down as my favorite of his.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Scribner Books.)
First things first, I initially would have zoomed right past this title until I saw who the author was. Dean King could make anything interesting. I expected the book to be a good amount of politics and I thought it might bore the heck out of me. But, Dean King has proven me wrong before. Couple that with John Muir and Robert Underwood Johnson and there is a lot to love here. Both men jump off the page and King makes the come alive as people who believe in something and will fight for it.
The trouble for me comes along when the book dives into pure politics. There are stories of John Muir in a blizzard or in a flood and I could not look away. Then, there might be a few pages on a meeting of the Sierra Club. It is in these moments that the pace slowed for me so much. It's not that the information is superfluous. These scenes and facts need to be hear for the narrative. They just don't pack the punch of other portions of the book and it shows.
Ultimately, I would say the following. You will at least like this book. King and his characters are too good. And, if you have ever been to Yosemite (admittedly, I have not), maybe the book packs more punch and is a no doubt 5 star rating. For me, I'll read anything Dean King puts out next, but this won't won't go down as my favorite of his.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Scribner Books.)
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
June 9, 2023I’d recommend just watching the first few hours of Ken Burns’ fantastic 2009 documentary The National Parks: America’s Best Idea instead!
July 23, 2023
This book will ring all of your bells if you are into the environment, the history of American National Parks and the political side of how the National Parks came into being.
Warning, this has a LOT of descriptions of how humans did a LOT of damage to the environment, so it's NOT easy or light reading. It also has a LOT of politics too, so if that's not your jam, sections of this will also not be fun to read.
The best parts for me were when the people of the time were allowed to "talk" through their written words. Muir was a poet of the highest order, but EVERYone had something to say and they all said it WELL. Some were witty, some were sly, some were all out jerks, but they came across as MUCH more literate then we do today.
So that was kind of depressing too, to see how far we have fallen re: education and the intelligence it fosters, but also seeing the mindless destruction of Nature isn't recent and it isn't going to stop unless people stand up and say, intelligently and with money and power behind it, "NO!"
Muir died with hope. The hope that humankind would learn and stop the wanton destruction before it was too late. This country and all who visit Yosemite and every other National Park owes him more than I ever knew.
After reading this book, do I have hope? Looking at where we are today, fighting the same dam battles over and over and over again, do I have hope?
I don't know. The bad guys only have to win once. The good guys have to always be on guard and NEVER lose, because that one loss is EVERYthing. I HOPE that the good guys never give up and that I can be a good guy and help. But after reading this book, I'm TIRED. It's an uphill battle and it never ends. All we can do is pass the torch on to the next generation and try to set them up for success.
I didn't enjoy the political parts or the parts where the desecration of Nature was described, but they were 100% necessary for this book. They were just a bit too much for me. However, this was very well written and the notes and bibliography pages had me smiling and incredibly happy. This book has WEIGHT to it.
So I do recommend this book. The star rating is how I personally enjoyed it, not how I think most people will enjoy it. I think most who read this book will enjoy it and be inspired to visit Yosemite or other National Parks and to read Muir's works. He had a poet's soul and a keen eye.
3, wasn't my bag but check it out for yourself, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
Warning, this has a LOT of descriptions of how humans did a LOT of damage to the environment, so it's NOT easy or light reading. It also has a LOT of politics too, so if that's not your jam, sections of this will also not be fun to read.
The best parts for me were when the people of the time were allowed to "talk" through their written words. Muir was a poet of the highest order, but EVERYone had something to say and they all said it WELL. Some were witty, some were sly, some were all out jerks, but they came across as MUCH more literate then we do today.
So that was kind of depressing too, to see how far we have fallen re: education and the intelligence it fosters, but also seeing the mindless destruction of Nature isn't recent and it isn't going to stop unless people stand up and say, intelligently and with money and power behind it, "NO!"
Muir died with hope. The hope that humankind would learn and stop the wanton destruction before it was too late. This country and all who visit Yosemite and every other National Park owes him more than I ever knew.
After reading this book, do I have hope? Looking at where we are today, fighting the same dam battles over and over and over again, do I have hope?
I don't know. The bad guys only have to win once. The good guys have to always be on guard and NEVER lose, because that one loss is EVERYthing. I HOPE that the good guys never give up and that I can be a good guy and help. But after reading this book, I'm TIRED. It's an uphill battle and it never ends. All we can do is pass the torch on to the next generation and try to set them up for success.
I didn't enjoy the political parts or the parts where the desecration of Nature was described, but they were 100% necessary for this book. They were just a bit too much for me. However, this was very well written and the notes and bibliography pages had me smiling and incredibly happy. This book has WEIGHT to it.
So I do recommend this book. The star rating is how I personally enjoyed it, not how I think most people will enjoy it. I think most who read this book will enjoy it and be inspired to visit Yosemite or other National Parks and to read Muir's works. He had a poet's soul and a keen eye.
3, wasn't my bag but check it out for yourself, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2023
This is a thorough — VERY thorough — documentation of the struggle and persistence required to save Yosemite for future generations (and also the equal struggle to save the Hetch Hetchy valley, which failed — it was dammed, and today provides water for the Bay Area. This is more a story of bureaucracy and activism than of Yosemite itself, but it’s as well-written as a book on a somewhat dry subject can be. Although, listening to excerpts of letters and bits of recorded conversations in the book, I did wonder whether people were just more boring back then. It certainly seems possible.
March 26, 2023
Enthralled by this story and the relationship between Muir and Johnson. Dean King’s research is astounding. His written word is admirable. The book inspired me to confirm a big trip I am now taking this summer into a remote wilderness where I can channel my inner Muir. A wonderful read for anyone interested in our nation’s natural treasures.
February 28, 2024
Not surprisingly the book focused a bit more on Muir than it did RU Johnson. It was enjoyable overview of Muir’s life and their work in creating and preserving Yosemite National Park. A big focus was also the battle between San Francisco and Park supporters on damming Hetch Hetchy.
Half the book will make you want to go explore the great outdoors. The other half will make you hate San Francisco for damming Hetch Hetchy Valley within the bounds of Yosemite National Park for slightly cheaper drinking water and electric production.
Half the book will make you want to go explore the great outdoors. The other half will make you hate San Francisco for damming Hetch Hetchy Valley within the bounds of Yosemite National Park for slightly cheaper drinking water and electric production.
April 27, 2024
I found it to be boring and John Muir to be an unlikeable guy. The photos of Yosemite were cool.
February 18, 2024
Great overview of the life of John Muir, the fight to create and protect Yosemite National Park, and the birth of the modern environmental movement.
Heavy on the politics of water rights and conservation - especially in the second half - the book occasionally struggles to decide whether it is a biography of Muir or a political history. If you are more interested in Muir alone then you might look elsewhere, but as a lover of politics and history I really enjoyed it!
Heavy on the politics of water rights and conservation - especially in the second half - the book occasionally struggles to decide whether it is a biography of Muir or a political history. If you are more interested in Muir alone then you might look elsewhere, but as a lover of politics and history I really enjoyed it!
July 30, 2024
Important history of the U.S. and its National Parks, it’s a celebration of John Muir and the country’s natural beauty…and it’s a bit detailed and tedious toward the end.
July 11, 2023
I started reading this ahead of my trip to San Francisco, which is funny because San Francisco (and the sketchy politicians of the time) is the villain in this!
This is the story of a man whose writing about a beautiful part of the United States helped save the area from the greedy whims of industrialists. John Muir’s life and his love for Yosemite overflowed into others, leading to Yosemite receiving designation as a National Park and wider renown and affection. There are a lot of political aspects of this that could be boring, but the story ends up being more about the onset of Washington lobbying and fun exchanges between political rivals.
The descriptions of Yosemite made me so eager to visit that, after some encouragement, I ended up adding a day at Yosemite to my trip to San Francisco! And I even finished this audiobook on the drive there. The book was great, and Yosemite was even better. I was so grateful for the inspiration to check out a true gem of a park!
This is the story of a man whose writing about a beautiful part of the United States helped save the area from the greedy whims of industrialists. John Muir’s life and his love for Yosemite overflowed into others, leading to Yosemite receiving designation as a National Park and wider renown and affection. There are a lot of political aspects of this that could be boring, but the story ends up being more about the onset of Washington lobbying and fun exchanges between political rivals.
The descriptions of Yosemite made me so eager to visit that, after some encouragement, I ended up adding a day at Yosemite to my trip to San Francisco! And I even finished this audiobook on the drive there. The book was great, and Yosemite was even better. I was so grateful for the inspiration to check out a true gem of a park!
May 31, 2023
The research seems adequate, the tale is worthy, the warning is needed. But the writing style is problematic. This could have been dramatic and compelling. However, it gets tedious way before it even approaches the conclusion. I stuck with it to the bitter end, but Muir and Johnson deserve better.
August 6, 2024
I had no idea this book would be as upsetting as it is.
What would you think if a city proposed turning the Yosemite Valley into a dam reservoir? If you'd be outraged, you would be in good company, even 100+ years ago.
And yet, that is exactly what ACTUALLY happened in real life. Within the National Park of Yosemite is another amazing granite valley named Hetch Hetchy, which John Muir had described as "Yosemite's twin" many years before it was proposed to be dammed. This proposal was wildly unpopular outside of the city in question, and there were MULTIPLE equivalent options that were suppressed through corruption for profiteering purposes. So much could be said about how duplicitously and corruptly this project came to pass, but all that really needs to be said is this: there was no good reason for this dam to happen except for the convenience and greed of a special interest group.
Today, more than 100 years later, Yosemite's twin valley still lies under more than 400 feet of water. You've probably never even heard of Hetch Hetchy, despite how much John Muir had once sung its praises and considered it as dear to him as Yosemite itself. It is the least visited area of the park, because there is now little to do or see there, in part because the city that benefited reneged on its obligation to develop the area for park visitors, and has never been held accountable for this illegal violation of the charter that gave it permission to build a dam there in the first place.
The only silver lining that came out of this despoiling of a natural wonder was that it caused a groundswell of support for establishing the National Park Service, a bureau put in charge of managing decisions like this in the future, rather than letting special interest groups simply lobby congress for *decades* against public will, until an administration comes along that simply doesn't care enough to say no anymore, and rubber stamps a choice that will have an impact for centuries and destroy a natural wonder for countless generations.
This is an amazing book about the life of John Muir and the other influential people who made the protection of Yosemite possible, though as you can tell it does not end on a very happy note. These stories are a powerful reminder that are National Parks and Forests were established because assholes wanted to destroy them for short term profit. It's a reminder that they have succeeded in the past, and that they are still trying to do this today and tomorrow.
(And yes, the people of SF still have the gall to be PROUD of the Hetch Hetchy dam to this day, and still defend it and just recently spent $5 BILLION to retrofit it and continue its operation even though it it over 100 years old, even though many other equivalent options exist for similar costs to what they spent on the retrofit.)
What would you think if a city proposed turning the Yosemite Valley into a dam reservoir? If you'd be outraged, you would be in good company, even 100+ years ago.
And yet, that is exactly what ACTUALLY happened in real life. Within the National Park of Yosemite is another amazing granite valley named Hetch Hetchy, which John Muir had described as "Yosemite's twin" many years before it was proposed to be dammed. This proposal was wildly unpopular outside of the city in question, and there were MULTIPLE equivalent options that were suppressed through corruption for profiteering purposes. So much could be said about how duplicitously and corruptly this project came to pass, but all that really needs to be said is this: there was no good reason for this dam to happen except for the convenience and greed of a special interest group.
Today, more than 100 years later, Yosemite's twin valley still lies under more than 400 feet of water. You've probably never even heard of Hetch Hetchy, despite how much John Muir had once sung its praises and considered it as dear to him as Yosemite itself. It is the least visited area of the park, because there is now little to do or see there, in part because the city that benefited reneged on its obligation to develop the area for park visitors, and has never been held accountable for this illegal violation of the charter that gave it permission to build a dam there in the first place.
The only silver lining that came out of this despoiling of a natural wonder was that it caused a groundswell of support for establishing the National Park Service, a bureau put in charge of managing decisions like this in the future, rather than letting special interest groups simply lobby congress for *decades* against public will, until an administration comes along that simply doesn't care enough to say no anymore, and rubber stamps a choice that will have an impact for centuries and destroy a natural wonder for countless generations.
This is an amazing book about the life of John Muir and the other influential people who made the protection of Yosemite possible, though as you can tell it does not end on a very happy note. These stories are a powerful reminder that are National Parks and Forests were established because assholes wanted to destroy them for short term profit. It's a reminder that they have succeeded in the past, and that they are still trying to do this today and tomorrow.
(And yes, the people of SF still have the gall to be PROUD of the Hetch Hetchy dam to this day, and still defend it and just recently spent $5 BILLION to retrofit it and continue its operation even though it it over 100 years old, even though many other equivalent options exist for similar costs to what they spent on the retrofit.)
December 16, 2023
Fascinating read about America's pre-eminent conservationist, co-founder of the Sierra Club, and one of the main reasons so many American's have taken up the cause in the 15o years his writings have inspired us to preserve the natural beauty this country was graced with.
Detailed accountings of Muir's visits to, and defense of, Yosemite, Tuolumne Meadows, and Hetch Hetchy are included and well worth the read.
Detailed accountings of Muir's visits to, and defense of, Yosemite, Tuolumne Meadows, and Hetch Hetchy are included and well worth the read.
July 15, 2023
When we try to pick out anything by itself we find that it is bound fast by a thousand invisible chords that cannot be broken, to everything in the universe.
June 20, 2024
A very compelling and engaging read on John Muir and those who helped form Yosemite National Park, attempt to save Hetch Hetchy Meadows, and the birth of the National parks movement in America.
September 24, 2023
Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship that Saved Yosemite traces the (mostly) successful efforts of John Muir and his editor and friend, Robert Underwood Johnson, in preserving Yosemite National Park. Author Dean King enhances his research with many historical photos. Anyone who wants to learn more about this unique landscape will enjoy this well-written book.
April 1, 2024
This really is a good book. It’s moving, emotional, thorough and thoughtful. If you enjoy stories about the political process, you will love this book. Can be slow at times.
July 23, 2024
It was a very compelling story and it gave me an even deeper appreciation of the beauty of Yosemite.
To be completely honest, I think it would have flowed better and been a smoother read without some of the less necessary details and tangents.
To be completely honest, I think it would have flowed better and been a smoother read without some of the less necessary details and tangents.
May 28, 2023
Using generous quotations from John Muir and others, King tells the little-known story of Muir’s devoted friendship with Robert Underwood Johnson, his editor, motivator, and partner in conservation.
I’ve done some reading on Muir but knew nothing of Johnson. His role in Muir’s writing and conservation efforts was a revelation and fascinating to follow. It seems to me that their relationship, and its role in Muir’s life and in the Hetch Hetchy business, is King's great contribution.
In particular, King goes into deep and fascinating detail about the battle for Hetch Hetchy and the birth of the modern environmental movement. I urge you to read this fine new book.
I’ve done some reading on Muir but knew nothing of Johnson. His role in Muir’s writing and conservation efforts was a revelation and fascinating to follow. It seems to me that their relationship, and its role in Muir’s life and in the Hetch Hetchy business, is King's great contribution.
In particular, King goes into deep and fascinating detail about the battle for Hetch Hetchy and the birth of the modern environmental movement. I urge you to read this fine new book.
May 23, 2023
An exploration of the formation of Yosemite National Park, the creation of the National Park Service and the US Forest Service, as seen through the eye of John Muir and Robert Johnson, who collaborated to produce widely-read articles on the beauty and mystery of the West.
At times exhilarating, and at times tedious with details the average reader isn't interested in, the early days of Yosemite and its designation as a National Park are detailed in this book. The power of John Muir's descriptions of the grandeur of Yosemite Valley, and the reach extended to him by Johnson, who rose to be editor of one of the most influential publications of the time, led to what arguably was the beginning of the conservation movement, the formation of the Sierra Club, and more. Millions read their words and committed to preserving Yosemite, and battling development of areas in Yosemite.
Yet a bitter pill is to be swallowed, the damming of Hetch Hetchy for water and power for San Francisco, which exists to this day, and which is battled by The Sierra Club to this day. The entire second half of the book dwells on this topic. While commendable, it is tedious from a reading perspective.
If you don't know much about John Muir, this is a great overview.
At times exhilarating, and at times tedious with details the average reader isn't interested in, the early days of Yosemite and its designation as a National Park are detailed in this book. The power of John Muir's descriptions of the grandeur of Yosemite Valley, and the reach extended to him by Johnson, who rose to be editor of one of the most influential publications of the time, led to what arguably was the beginning of the conservation movement, the formation of the Sierra Club, and more. Millions read their words and committed to preserving Yosemite, and battling development of areas in Yosemite.
Yet a bitter pill is to be swallowed, the damming of Hetch Hetchy for water and power for San Francisco, which exists to this day, and which is battled by The Sierra Club to this day. The entire second half of the book dwells on this topic. While commendable, it is tedious from a reading perspective.
If you don't know much about John Muir, this is a great overview.
June 7, 2023
This book is a very clear historical account of John Muir's life related to his love of the Yosemite Valley. It specifically focuses on his life during his time in Yosemite and how he fought to preserve all of the parks. He spent years fighting to make Yosemite part of the national park system and even more trying to protect the Hech Hechy Valley from being dammed for water for San Fransisco. He did all of his battles with the help and support of Robert Underwood Johnson. It is a remarkable yet sad story. Very well told by Dean King
January 4, 2023
I thought this was a fascinating and well researched look into John Muir's life and how he came to be a conservationist, where Yosemite was one of the most known places saved.
August 5, 2023
The eloquence of Muir the author/ poet shines in this extensively researched book by Dean King.
Three books in one is more accurate. Muir the young immigrant who evolved into the prominent author and defender of environmental issues. Robert Underwood Johnson, literary and advocacy champion, political lobbyist, and for decades Muir friend and persistent motivator from afar. History of the national parks and forests, which highlights the continuous water rights dilemmas - since Muir’s era- that continue to warrant national attention. All are compelling stories worthy of attention.
King is a clear, well organized chronicler. He mines an incredible wealth of primary data and letters, with the quantity of riches sometimes overwhelming and which may discourage some readers. While further editing could offset this disadvantage, based on what is provided the author had a challenge limiting his scope to the published work. However, this offering demands a more motivated reader than previous books, particularly his Zahara tale.
While Muir is portrayed as involved with his family and siblings, more detail seems warranted in describing his relationship with his wife Louie and often his daughters. His wife, in particular, appears to have brought to the marriage property and financial resources, but also extreme support of his frequent absences for nature exploration. Additionally, scant attention is given to his thoughts and relationships with indigenous peoples he encountered, original visitors to Yosemite, as well as Chinese immigrants who were part of the growing labor force at this time. In contrast, later sections do acknowledge the growing interest and involvement of women in the emerging environmental movement.
It will be impossible to follow the continuing water shortages and debated allocations in the Western US without remembering this book and Ketch Ketchy.
Three books in one is more accurate. Muir the young immigrant who evolved into the prominent author and defender of environmental issues. Robert Underwood Johnson, literary and advocacy champion, political lobbyist, and for decades Muir friend and persistent motivator from afar. History of the national parks and forests, which highlights the continuous water rights dilemmas - since Muir’s era- that continue to warrant national attention. All are compelling stories worthy of attention.
King is a clear, well organized chronicler. He mines an incredible wealth of primary data and letters, with the quantity of riches sometimes overwhelming and which may discourage some readers. While further editing could offset this disadvantage, based on what is provided the author had a challenge limiting his scope to the published work. However, this offering demands a more motivated reader than previous books, particularly his Zahara tale.
While Muir is portrayed as involved with his family and siblings, more detail seems warranted in describing his relationship with his wife Louie and often his daughters. His wife, in particular, appears to have brought to the marriage property and financial resources, but also extreme support of his frequent absences for nature exploration. Additionally, scant attention is given to his thoughts and relationships with indigenous peoples he encountered, original visitors to Yosemite, as well as Chinese immigrants who were part of the growing labor force at this time. In contrast, later sections do acknowledge the growing interest and involvement of women in the emerging environmental movement.
It will be impossible to follow the continuing water shortages and debated allocations in the Western US without remembering this book and Ketch Ketchy.
May 10, 2023
I learned a thing or two about the history of the Yosemite park from this book, but it was less than I wanted it to be. John Muir was an interesting and inspiring man, whose personality pops off the page in his own writing and whose ability to convey his love of nature has been a beacon for generations of people who would never dare to go into wilderness as he did. Yes, he was sometimes a bit problematic, sometimes borderline racist, though he always seemed to respect individuals from all cultures. Sadly, this book was never able to show me the fascinating sides of his personality. It's just a drab catalog of history.
I was interested to see how Gifford Pinchot, an ally of McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt and Taft was portrayed as one of the chief villians, always ready to sell out nature in the interest of business and growth. My only previous knowledge of him was from Frances Fukuyama's "Political Order and Political Decay" where he is praised to the sky as the model of a good bureaucrat, a smart dedicated public servant who could make government run right. Maybe he was both, but there are so many things that turn out to be doubtful in Mr. Fukuyama's theories that I shouldn't be surprised to discover another one.
It was also interesting to see the prolonged efforts by business and political interests to undermine the Yosemite park and to learn what a shabby job was done in preserving the park by the state of California until the federal government stepped in. It really gives the lie to Milton Friedman's crazy theory that our national parks should be privatized.
I was interested to see how Gifford Pinchot, an ally of McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt and Taft was portrayed as one of the chief villians, always ready to sell out nature in the interest of business and growth. My only previous knowledge of him was from Frances Fukuyama's "Political Order and Political Decay" where he is praised to the sky as the model of a good bureaucrat, a smart dedicated public servant who could make government run right. Maybe he was both, but there are so many things that turn out to be doubtful in Mr. Fukuyama's theories that I shouldn't be surprised to discover another one.
It was also interesting to see the prolonged efforts by business and political interests to undermine the Yosemite park and to learn what a shabby job was done in preserving the park by the state of California until the federal government stepped in. It really gives the lie to Milton Friedman's crazy theory that our national parks should be privatized.
June 27, 2023
Guardians is a biography of part of John Muir’s life, a history of both the conservation movement and the political battles to save America’s wild lands. It is also the story of the power of friendship, networking, and collaboration as Muir and Robert Underwood Johnson, as a journalist & editor of The Century, worked together to save the wilds of the west. It is an adventure story as we accompany Muir on camping trips in the Sierras/Yosemite with Ralph Waldo Emerson, President Theodore Roosevelt, and so many others. King’s book is a reminder that the political battles over the environment are nothing new. The country’s first great environmental battle was over Hatch Hetchy, a ‘second’ Yosemite valley larger and more beautiful even than Yosemite Valley according to Muir—a valley San Francisco finally won as its water source. The battle was filled with misinformation and withheld reports showing that SF could have had other sources of water to meet its needs. Muir and Robert Wood Johnson fought for decades to get Congress to create and protect National Parks; while they lost the Hetch Hetchy battle, in 2016 Congress passed the National Park Service Act, protecting lands set aside as national parks more strongly than ever before. Guardians is also a story of political activism and populism as Muir and Johnson getting millions of Americans to write to their Congressmen to protest turning Hetch Hetchy into a lake/water source. Dean King is an excellent story teller.
March 19, 2024
John Muir was a leading force in the late 1800's and early 1900's for the preservation of natural scenic wonders unspoiled by economic development.
The book centers on the battle for the preservation of the natural beauty of the Yosemite Valley in California which Muir came to know intimately. Although Yosemite is front and center in this book, it becomes apparent that the battle that pits conservationists against economic developers has the potential to play out not just with Yosemite but over and over again regarding scenic lands elsewhere in the country and in the world.
Author Dean King gives us a play-by-play description of the Yosemite battle as it unfolded. King is an award-winning author of ten nonfiction books. The OKC Bethany Library book club chose to read this book at this time because King will be speaking in OKC on April 2. I don't know the location or time of his address but OKC or Edmond librarians are likely to know.
The book centers on the battle for the preservation of the natural beauty of the Yosemite Valley in California which Muir came to know intimately. Although Yosemite is front and center in this book, it becomes apparent that the battle that pits conservationists against economic developers has the potential to play out not just with Yosemite but over and over again regarding scenic lands elsewhere in the country and in the world.
Author Dean King gives us a play-by-play description of the Yosemite battle as it unfolded. King is an award-winning author of ten nonfiction books. The OKC Bethany Library book club chose to read this book at this time because King will be speaking in OKC on April 2. I don't know the location or time of his address but OKC or Edmond librarians are likely to know.
July 8, 2024
This is a great look into the story of John Muir and his preservation efforts through his adult life, especially that of Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy valleys. The first part of the book is rich in detail from Muir's journal writing and old photos of Muir and others who he brought to Yosemite to witness its splendor. As other reviewers have pointed out, much of the book is about the political battle between the City of San Francisco (and the federal government) and the preservationists led by Muir and his colleague Robert Johnson. More specifically, the fate of Hetch Hetchy Valley.
If you really want to learn more about John Muir and his exploits, then this book is a great selection. It is heavy on the political side, but packed with historical significance. I admit I skimmed through some paragraphs during the heavy dose of information about the political struggles, but still enjoyed the entire story and do recommend it.
If you really want to learn more about John Muir and his exploits, then this book is a great selection. It is heavy on the political side, but packed with historical significance. I admit I skimmed through some paragraphs during the heavy dose of information about the political struggles, but still enjoyed the entire story and do recommend it.
August 7, 2024
This book goes into the friendship of John Muir and Robert Underwood Johnson, their optimism in something, the politics involved to protect what they are passionate about. The desire and struggles to save Yosemite, Hetch Hetchy valley for future generations.
The politics in this process was clearly met with entanglements. I would also say, it would be the birth of environmental knowledge and how it effects the land around us.
This book for me in general, was the life of John Muir, his love of the land, nature and the respect he had for it and the preservation of it’s beauty.
Muir’s legacy, as the father of our national parks, founder of the Sierra club, and spiritual leader of the environmental movement, continue to grow after his death.
He is now widely held as the nations most influential conservationist. In 1915, and his honor California created the 210 mile John Muir Trail, from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney.
The politics in this process was clearly met with entanglements. I would also say, it would be the birth of environmental knowledge and how it effects the land around us.
This book for me in general, was the life of John Muir, his love of the land, nature and the respect he had for it and the preservation of it’s beauty.
Muir’s legacy, as the father of our national parks, founder of the Sierra club, and spiritual leader of the environmental movement, continue to grow after his death.
He is now widely held as the nations most influential conservationist. In 1915, and his honor California created the 210 mile John Muir Trail, from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney.
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October 11, 2023(Audio)
There were parts of this book that were very interesting and parts that were a bit dense and dry and tough to get through. Overall, I was interested in hearing more about John Muir and his work so I stuck it out and do not regret it. Interestingly enough, I understand the battle for Hetch Hetchy continues.
This book covers a lot of information about politics of the day, California parks and some of Muir's most important relationships. It doesn't touch on any of his Alaska time. It also doesn't touch on a part of Muir that I'm interested in hearing more about; racism and how he speaks of and treats others.
I appreciated this book's perspective and I'll be doing more reading on John Muir.
There were parts of this book that were very interesting and parts that were a bit dense and dry and tough to get through. Overall, I was interested in hearing more about John Muir and his work so I stuck it out and do not regret it. Interestingly enough, I understand the battle for Hetch Hetchy continues.
This book covers a lot of information about politics of the day, California parks and some of Muir's most important relationships. It doesn't touch on any of his Alaska time. It also doesn't touch on a part of Muir that I'm interested in hearing more about; racism and how he speaks of and treats others.
I appreciated this book's perspective and I'll be doing more reading on John Muir.
July 18, 2024
I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I'm giving this 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. It was a very well researched history book, and I loved the recollections of Muir on his outdoors adventures. The writing style was vivid, and I could imagine myself in the harsh elements. At the same token, with any history book comes an element of dryness that makes it feel like a chore to get through (it took me 6 weeks!). Two thirds of the book focused on the vigorous lobbying to save Hetch Hetchy from being dammed and used as a water supply for the Bay Area. Today I'm grateful for Muir's and Johnson's efforts to preserve public lands so many generations can enjoy their majesty.
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