"In this handsome volume, the author discusses the region from geologic times until its withdrawal by an act of Congress as our first 'national park' in 1872. . . .This is an exceptionally fine book, a noteworthy blending of scholarly and popular history. Bartlett knows his subject well, both as a student and as an outdoorsman." --Pacific Northwest Quarterly "A timely work; its 'mission' is to make the reader wish 'to have seen Yellowstone before the people came.' The author must be commended for writing a scholarly book with appeal for a popular audience." --Journal of American History "A joy for the recreational reader and a solid reference for scholarly researchers . . .The author has been both energetic and fortunate in gathering material from a rich variety of original accounts and later writings, and he has used them skillfully." --Western Historical Quarterly