One would think that almost everyone would be in support of protecting our country's beautiful places, but this book highlights how much of a struggle it was and continues to be. The book was especially insightful because of the amount of quotes and personal interviews throughout, weaving into the story of the parks over the years. It was a long audiobook and took a lot of listening to get through, especially because of how broken up the story is. But this didn't detract from my enjoyment. I can't wait for my next trip to a national park to follow in the footsteps of John Muir, Stephen Mather, and George Wright. ( )

I don’t recall how this book got on my radar, but I’m grateful it did. I love nature and National Parks are the embodiment of preserving our magnificent pieces of land and monuments. Listening to the audiobook, I quickly learned that this book is a physical companion to a 12-hour PBS series by the authors, Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns. Streaming and viewing information can be found here. Below is a YouTube video trailer of the film series. (Please see link to my blog at the bottom of this review, where you can access the links and videos mentioned.)

Don’t be misled, this book is not a guide to the National Parks. It’s a history of the establishment of the park system, dating back to the late 1800’s. Let me be clear, it’s a fascinating history with many famous people at the forefront. For instance, the book opens with vivid descriptions of the beauty of Yosemite and the influence of Jon Muir. I am familiar with Jon Muir’s efforts and meaningful quotes, so it was a pleasure to learn more about his life. It also motivates me to want to learn more about him. (I’m sure I have more books on the subject in my libraries and wish lists.)

The authors detail how Yellowstone became the first National Park. From there, the stories flooded in about Mt. Rainier, Mt. Rushmore, and the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings. I learned that Jon Muir spontaneously climbed Mt. Rainier. Amazing! I must put together considerable preparation to take a long hike in Sedona, so I can’t imagine randomly climbing a mountain! It was fascinating to learn how the park system was developed. It never occurred to me that the act of preservation came before any structure was developed. Several parks were established well before Congress enacted any laws or policies. The creation of Park Rangers was established later in the process too. Guest accommodations never seemed to be a priority. I get it, when trying to preserve land, the last thing we need is construction to destroy said land.

I enjoyed learning about the development of the Audubon Society. It was a pleasure learning about the influence of Ansel Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, the Rockefeller family, Stanley Steamer (Rocky Mountains), and Mark Twain (Haleakala in Hawaii).

Listening to this audiobook stirred up so many memories and gave me feelings of pure nostalgia. I hadn’t realized how prevalent our National Parks truly are and how many I have visited. My visits began in childhood on those memorable family vacations. As an adult, I continue to treasure my time in any National Park or Monument. Maybe those early vacations planted a seed that keeps my craving for nature well alive. I am grateful for this book, not only for its education, but also for all of those heartfelt experiences I had forgotten.

I borrowed this audiobook from my local library with the Libby App. I enjoyed the narration by Ken Burns.

I thought I would close this book review with a few pictures of some of my favorite destinations. (Again, please see link to my blog below for pictures.)

Lastly, for anyone who appreciates art, my husband is a painter and has created some amazing oil paintings of a couple of National Parks, Cape Hatteras lighthouse in the Outer Banks, North Carolina and Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona. You’re welcome to explore his website for more information. (Last time, please see link to my blog below for access to the paintings.)

I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog ( )

National Parks preserve some of the most breathtaking landscapes in our Country. But if most people are like me, we don't often wonder about the people and processes which created them. Following the financial crisis of 2008, and the huge government bailout and spending programs initiated as a result, there's been a clamor for smaller government across the board, and certainly for less government spending and taxing. However , the author makes a good case for the establishment of the National Parks as being one of our governments good ideas which benefits the population as a whole, generation after generation. One can only imagine the loss to future generations if development, mining, deforestation was allowed unabated in these areas of our Country. The ability to set aside public, and in some cases private lands, for the use and enjoyment of future generations is astounding given that for every citizen willing to offer one dollar for National Parks, there were fifty calling for opening the land for mining, logging, cattle raising, and homesteading. The division may have been a precursor to today's battle of the tree huggers vs. tea baggers, but 100 years earlier. In this case, as one of the millions of people who enjoy our National Parks today, I'm happy with the outcome of the struggle and the vision of those who championed the Parks. ( )

The National Parks: America’s Best Idea by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns is a coffee table book which is supposed to be a supplementary to the TV documentary, but certainly stands on its own.

On our last vacation we managed to hit three national parks, one was planned but the other two were just road stops. When I saw The National Parks: America’s Best Idea by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns in our local library I picked it up for no other reason.

I’m happy I did, this is a wonderful book, full of excellent, enticing visuals and great passages. The historical parts are informative but not too overburdening. I especially enjoyed the old promotional posters peppered within the book.

Even if you don’t have a passion for the outdoors, or not a fan of America’s National Parks this book will certainly entertain you. It is an easy read with excellent pictures from the old and recent days.

The development of the Park System is discussed and several individuals are recognized in shaping the way we think of our parks. Treating them as the national treasure which several outstanding leaders recognized them to be a long time before others came on board.

This is more of a historical book, if you want to find information about one particular park this is not for you. I believe this book would make a wonderful gift to almost anyone, and a pleasure to have around the house.

For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com ( )

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