About this title: This evocative and lavishly illustrated narrative--the companion volume to the 12-hour PBS series--delves into the history of the park idea, from the first sighting by white men in 1851 through to the most recent additions to a system that now encompasses nearly 400 sites and 84 million acres.
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Edition: Audio Book
Publisher: BonT, Westminster, MD
Date Published: 2009
ISBN-13:9781415965559ISBN:1415965552
Description: New. Audio Book This is an audio book. 13 cds, 15 hours, 28 minutes. Unabridged. Read by Danny Campbell with a Supporting cast. In the publisher's thick plastic case. read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group
Date Published: 2009
ISBN-13:9780307268969ISBN:0307268969
Description: New in new dust jacket. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 432 p. Contains: Illustrations. Audience: General/trade. Brand new book-no defects= read more
Description: New. 0307268969 *NEW BOOK! * RETURNS ARE NO PROBLEM! We LOVE happy customers. All our orders sent with tracking information. ALIBRIS. read more
"I'm only in the preface and already loving it. I didn't see much of the PBS special, so I can't wait until my library gets it in. For now, I'm reading this.
Favorite quote so far:
"This is still," John Muir wrote assuredly, "the morning of creation."
This resonates with me and what I feel when I partake of the wild country of America.
Update:Wow! I wasn't able to watch much of this series on tv. I was initially dissatisfied that it was about the history of parks because I wanted to see amazing film of the parks. After delving into this book, however (about 2/5 through), I've changed my opinion entirely. I love reading about the history of parks. I'm enamored by John Muir (pleased to make your acquaintance, Sir!). I'm enthralled by these big tracts of wilderness, most of which I have not seen. Happy choice of a book. Oh, and I've finally decided that I want to be a ranger when I grow up. A perfect fit for me!
FINISHED! I was entranced from start to finish. What I thought might be a disappointment has opened my eyes and mind to the national parks and what stands behind them. I met some new people, almost as if I'd known them. John Muir, among them, I can't wait to read his works. Having been abused by his father and forced to memorize the Bible in combination with his love of the wild lands, his writing is magical, spiritual. I can't hardly say what it does to me. Amazing.
One day, I'll visit all these parks, but for now what I want to remember is a sort of principle that John Muir spoke of about allowing his whole body to become transparent and absorb the experience and be in the moment. Wherever I am privileged to visit, this will be the principle guiding me.
An amazing statement about democracy. These parks are for the people! Get out there and enjoy them!"
"Have to confess that I didn't read this book cover-to-cover (yet), but it is a terrific companion to the PBS series by the same name. This beautiful book will appeal to vacationers, nature lovers, and history buffs alike. The National Parks: America's Best Idea is a comprehensive history of the park system and the people who had a passion to preserve these fantastic places for current and future Americans, brought to life with words, interviews, quotes and stunning photography. You certainly don't need to see the series to appreciate this book, it thoroughly represents the material shown on TV. And if you were as enthralled by the Ken Burns production as I was, you will love having this companion book to learn even more about America's Best Idea."
"Smokin! Another great companion volume to an incredible series by Ken Burns. The two compliment each other, and each stand on their own as well. Beautiful volume, with great stories, pictures, and history. I'm almost done with it and highly recommend this to any red-blooded American."
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