Anywhere That Is Wild: John Muir’s First Walk to Yosemite

What did John Muir, father of the National Parks system, naturalist, and all-around wilderness guru experience as he made his first walk to Yosemite? This is the premise of editors Peter and Donna Thomas’s new book, Anywhere That Is Wild: John Muir’s First Walk to Yosemite.

This slim volume is stunningly arranged, with beautiful woodcuts in black, white, and green contrast accompanying several chapters. The book cover requires no dustjacket, as it is exquisitely rendered in dark green with gold embellishment: a sparkling promise of what lies within the pages.

What Peter and Donna Thomas have done here is extraordinary, not just for nature-enthusiasts but for researchers, teachers, and fans of Yosemite. By researching Muir’s own writings, specifically from the time period when he walked some 300 miles to Yosemite, and by recreating that walk themselves, the Thomases have created something precious and rare. This historically accurate account of Muir’s walk is detailed, observant, and joyful, much like Muir himself.

This book would make an excellent gift for the hiker or natural-park buff in your circle, but it is also a lovely complement to any study of the United States as we once were.