My First Summer in the Sierra

by John Muir; photographs by Scot Miller

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 204p $30

This month we thought we would bring something special to the armchair traveler whose budget may preclude a flight to California. It is a treasured classic by the acclaimed naturalist John Muir (1838-1914) brought to wonderful new light by the stunning, often breathtaking full-color photographs by Scot Miller, whose work has appeared in numerous books and publications. During every phase of Muir’s sojourn, his reflections and musings bring life to the landscape. “We are now in the mountains,” he writes at one point, “and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us.” And elsewhere: “No Sierra landscape that I have seen holds anything truly dead or dull, or any trace of what in manufactories is called rubbish or waste; everything is perfectly clean and pure and full of divine lessons.”

Muir is a delightful tour guide and his presentation engages the reader with palpable detail of his day-to-day experiences over a three-and-a-half month adventure. The book is printed on glossy stock (recycled) and has a lay-flat binding. (It is published in cooperation with Yosemite Conservancy.) So indulge yourself and/or someone special; it would make a much-appreciated gift. Happy traveling!

Purchase My First Summer in the Sierra: Illustrated Edition width= from amazon.com.

This article appears in July 18 2011.