'How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains! To behold this
alone is worth the pains of any excursion a thousand times over.'
John Muir is known internationally for his dedication to protecting
the environment and for founding The Sierra Club in 1892. His first
book, as Muir authority Terry Gifford writes in the foreword,
'became the bible of the fledgling Sierra Club, which is now a major
national environmental activists' organisation with branches in every
corner of America'.
The Mountains of California not only details Muir's visits to the
magnificent mountains along the Sierra Nevada Range, which he
affectionately calls 'The Range of Light', but also the stunning
glaciers, forests and landscapes that he encounters:
'Climbing higher, I saw for the first time the gradual dwarfing of the
pines in compliance with climate ... patches of the dwarf vaccinium with
its round flowers sprinkled in the grass like purple hail; while in
every direction the landscape stretched sublimely away in fresh
wildness: a manuscript written by the hand of nature alone.'
Throughout the book, Muir's philosophy of nature's ability to soothe and
amaze is evident. He heart-warmingly discusses at length how his
encounters with animals, such as the Douglas squirrel, cheered him so.
This is a truly beautiful read; Muir's writing, embedded with emotion,
wit, and at times, humour, will never fail to speak to his reader.
The enthusiasm contained within these pages is infectious, and as well
as making a powerful read, Muir will inspire you, too, to 'come and see'
the innumerable delights that nature can offer:
'The best words only hint at [California's] charms. Come to the
mountains and see.'
