'To the lover of pure wildness Alaska is one of the most wonderful
countries in the world.'
First published in 1915, Travels in Alaska is the last book that
Muir wrote, detailing the adventures and experiences that were arguably
most dear to him. Alaska's picturesque forests, grand mountains, and
unique glacier range impacted Muir from the moment he first visited:
'Never before this had I been embosomed in scenery so hopelessly beyond
description... we must surely have reached the very paradise of the
poets, the abode of the blessed.'
As Muir expert Terry Gifford observes in the foreword, 'From the
first trip, Muir set out to learn as much about the people as the
glaciers'; and this willingness to surround himself in all aspects of
the atmosphere is evident throughout, with beautifully detailed
descriptions of everything from the tribes that he meets, to the
canyons, rivers and animals he encounters.
Muir's unwavering adventurous spirit shines through in Travels in
Alaska; no challenge is too great and even when faced with the
unimaginable - being caught near death between two icebergs while
canoeing, or saving an inexperienced mountaineer from slipping and
falling - he does not lose his faithful 'get up and go' attitude.
Travels in Alaska details three of Muir's trips to Alaska: 1879,
1880 and 1890. Each one a refreshing account of the joys of exploring
and the rewards of the outdoors: 'Never before had rocks and ice and
trees seemed so beautiful and wonderful, even the cold, biting rainstorm
that was blowing seemed full of loving kindness, wonderful compensation
for all that we had endured, and we sailed down the bay through the
grey, driving rain rejoicing.'
Embedded with stunning metaphors, a dedicated love of Mother Nature and
a desire to protect and preserve wildness, this book is an insight not
only into Alaska, but Muir himself. The enthusiasm contained within
these pages is infectious, and as well as making a powerful read, Muir
will inspire you, too, to go out and experience the paradise that is
natural wildness.
