Play Audiobook Sample
My First Summer in the Sierra Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.00) - 1,189 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
In the summer of 1869, Scottish immigrant John Muir worked as a shepherd in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. The diary he kept during this time was later adapted into My First Summer in the Sierra, which was published in 1911. His record describes the majestic vistas, flora and fauna, and other natural wonders of the area. Having inspired millions to visit the area, today Muir is recognized as one of the most important and influential naturalists and nature writers in America, along with Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
Download and start listening now!
"Started reading this in order to look for quotations to use in an artist's book commissioned by a friend. And I for into it and had to keep reading. Very repetitive in a lot of areas, but still a beautiful description of one man's relationship with nature. Definitely worth reading."
— Lswinakur (4 out of 5 stars)
My First Summer in the Sierra Listener Reviews
-
" So. This is a nature book. Actually it's not dreadfully boring. Also, it's exquisitely well-written. It sometimes makes me think I ought to care about nature. "
— K.c., 2/5/2014 -
" My First Summer is a classic "Nature Writing" text from the founder of the Sierra Club. Please note that the founder of the Sierra Club was a Scottish Immigrant. The book is notable for its figurative language, use of the pathetic fallacy, spirituality in nature, and general exuberience in extolling Yosemite. I would also recommend this text to examine representations of Native Americans in relation to Nature at this period. Muir is quite negative about Native Americans - the opposite direction of a noble savage trope. "
— sdw, 2/5/2014 -
" A grand read, Muir's prosaic descriptions of the landscape are vivid and thrilling. Wish I was a bit more familiar with the botanical nomenclature. "
— Richard, 1/31/2014 -
" This just made me want to go back and sleep in the mts. "
— Dan, 1/31/2014 -
" very enlightening but a bit dense in some parts. Sometimes it was a little hard to follow but I still loved it nonetheless. "
— L.M., 1/15/2014 -
" A great book about, literally, his first summer in the Sierra Mountains. It really makes you appreciate the outdoors...I only wish I could articulate everything I see the way he does. "
— Liz, 12/6/2013 -
" John Muir's enthusiasm and deeply abiding love, passion and respect for the High Sierras and Yosemite comes through very clearly in this journal of his first visit there. Made me want to jump in the car and road trip back to Yosemite! "
— Amanda, 11/23/2013 -
" I might (might) have liked it some had I not despised the class (Leadership through Wilderness Experiences) I read it for! "
— Angelica, 11/3/2013 -
" John Muir is one of my favorites. "
— Jason, 10/17/2013 -
" i actually finished this on june 22nd, but my internet was down. "
— Annette, 9/6/2013 -
" I realize this book is more of a journal, but it was really nice reading about the area before it was completely ruined by tourists. "
— John, 8/30/2013 -
" An absorbing insight into the passion of John Muir.A thoroughly delighted book. "
— Ross, 3/16/2013
About John Muir
John Muir (1838–1914), Scottish-born American naturalist, was one of the most influential conservationists and nature writers in American history. Founder of the Sierra Club and its president until his death, he was instrumental in helping to save wilderness areas, including Yosemite Valley and Sequoia National Park. He was a spirit so free that all he did to prepare for an expedition was to “throw some tea and bread into an old sack and jump the back fence.”
About Barry Press
Barry Press has been an active professional actor, director, and teacher for over thirty-five years. He has performed off Broadway and at numerous regional theaters from Alaska to Florida. He is founder and artistic director of Living Literature, a Rhode Island–based literacy program.