My First Summer in the Sierra

Written by John Muir

Narrated by Adrian Praetzellis

When he came to California and finally settled in San Francisco, John Muir immediately left for a visit to Yosemite, a place he had only read about. Seeing it for the first time, Muir noted that "He was overwhelmed by the landscape, scrambling down steep cliff faces to get a closer look at the waterfalls, whooping and howling at the vistas, jumping tirelessly from flower to flower." He climbed a number of mountains, including Cathedral Peak and Mount Dana, and hiked the old Indian trail down Bloody Canyon to Mono Lake. He lived in the cabin for two years, and wrote about this period in this book My First Summer in the Sierra.

John Muir was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher and early advocate of preservation of wilderness in the United States. His letters, essays, and books telling of his adventures in nature, especially in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, have been read by millions. His activism helped to preserve the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and other wilderness areas. The Sierra Club, which he founded, is a prominent American conservation organization.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author's Republic
• Release date: Aug 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781518932052

John Muir

John Muir (21 April 1838 – 24 December 1914) was a Scottish-born American naturalist, author, and early advocate of preservation of wilderness in the United States.

Reviews for My First Summer in the Sierra

[Arthur Carpenters · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As Muir explores the wilderness, he reflects on the spiritual dimensions of nature and the profound sense of peace and belonging it inspires within him. His musings on the transcendent beauty of the natural world and its capacity to nurture the soul resonate with readers on a deeply emotional level.

[Perry Mcdonalds · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My First Summer in the Sierra" is not merely a travelogue but a lyrical testament to the transformative power of nature and the enduring legacy of one man's profound connection with the wilderness. Muir's timeless reflections continue to inspire readers to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural world and to advocate for its preservation for future generations.

[kenny · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Listeners who delight in the beauty of the great outdoors will find Muir's lyrical descriptions and passionate advocacy for wilderness preservation deeply resonant.

[Shiembie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Muir's narrative transports readers to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, where he embarks on extended solitary treks, immersing himself in the untamed beauty of the wilderness. His vivid descriptions of towering sequoias, cascading waterfalls, and alpine meadows evoke a profound sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world.

[Shiella D. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My First Summer in the Sierra is a captivating autobiographical work by naturalist John Muir, chronicling his experiences exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains in California during the summer of 1869. Through vivid descriptions and keen observations, Muir shares his profound connection with nature and the transformative impact of his wilderness adventures.

[Kaleb Daniels · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Throughout the narrative, the passion for conservation and environmental stewardship shines through as he laments the encroachment of civilization on pristine wilderness areas. His advocacy for the preservation of natural landscapes foreshadows his future role as a leading figure in the conservation movement and the establishment of national parks.

[Roldan Mamaspas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From thrilling encounters with bears and deer to marveling at the diverse birdlife of the region, Muir's interactions with wildlife are a central focus of the narrative. His keen observations and deep respect for the creatures he encounters underscore his belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings.

[Murielle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Muir's early observations of ecological interconnectedness and his call to protect natural landscapes make this work essential reading for anyone concerned about conservation and environmental sustainability.