My First Summer in the Sierra

John Muir

Aug 2016 · Author's Republic · Narrated by Adrian Praetzellis

About this audiobook

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.

Ratings and reviews

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.

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.

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.