The Mountains of California

<p><em>‘How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains! To behold this alone is worth the pains of any excursion a thousand times over.’</em></p><p><strong>John Muir</strong> is known internationally for his dedication to protecting the environment and for founding <strong>The Sierra Club</strong> in 1892. His first book as Muir authority <strong>Terry Gifford</strong> 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’.</p><p><em><strong>The Mountains of California</strong></em> not only details Muir’s visits to the magnificent mountains along the <strong>Sierra Nevada Range</strong> which he affectionately calls ‘The Range of Light’ but also the stunning <strong>glaciers</strong> <strong>forests</strong> and <strong>landscapes</strong> that he encounters: <em>‘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.’</em></p><p>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.</p><p>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:</p><p><em>‘The best words only hint at [California’s] charms. Come to the mountains and see.’</em></p>