The Yosemite by John Muir (1912)
This work is a collection of essays that explore the natural beauty and significance of Yosemite Valley. It describes the valley's unique geology, flora, and fauna, as well as its cultural and spiritual importance to Native American tribes. The author argues for the preservation of the valley from human development and exploitation, emphasizing its value as a national treasure.
By John Muir · First published 1912 · Genre: Nature Writing, Travel Literature, Environmental Literature · 16 chapters · 65,164 words
First lines
When I set out on the long excursion that finally led to California I wandered afoot and alone, from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico, with a plant-press on my back, holding a generally southward course, like the birds when they are going from summer to winter. From the west coast of Florida I crossed the gulf to Cuba, enjoyed the rich tropical flora there for a few months, intending to go thence to the north end of South America, make my way through the woods to the headwaters of the Amazon, and float down that grand river to the ocean. But I was unable to find a ship bound for South America-fortunately perhaps, for I had incredibly little money for so long a trip and had not yet fully recovered from a fever caught in the Florida swamps. Therefore I decided to visit California for a year or two to see its wonderful flora and the famous Yosemite Valley. All the world was before me and every day was a holiday, so it did not seem important to which one of the world's wildernesses I first should wander.
What this Textopian page supports
The Yosemite is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Muir, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: John Muir
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Travel Literature, Environmental Literature, Memoir, Philosophical Writing
- Length: 65,164 words
- Structure: 16 chapters, 428 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Yosemite by John Muir
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Yosemite?
- How does this essay by John Muir fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Nature Writing first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Steep Trails by John Muir
- The Mountains Of California by John Muir
- My First Summer In The Sierra by John Muir
- In The Catskills by John Burroughs
- The Story Of My Boyhood And Youth by John Muir
- The Flight Of The Eagle by John Burroughs
Genres
- Nature Writing — The book extensively describes the natural beauty and landscapes of Yosemite, emphasizing the author's deep appreciation for nature.
- Travel Literature — It recounts the author's experiences and explorations in Yosemite, providing insights into the region's geography and ecology.
- Environmental Literature — The themes focus on conservation and the importance of preserving natural spaces, reflecting early environmentalist ideals.
- Memoir — The narrative includes personal reflections and experiences, offering a glimpse into the author's life and thoughts.
Tags
Nature Writing · Travelogue · Nonfiction · American Literature · Environmentalism · Conservation · Wilderness · Adventure · Exploration · Geology · Botany · Zoology
Contents
- The Approach to the Valley
- Winter Storms and Spring Floods
- Snow-Storms
- Snow Banners
- The Trees of the Valley
- The Forest Trees in General
- The Big Trees
- The Flowers
- The Birds
- The South Dome
- The Ancient Yosemite Glaciers
- How Best to Spend One's Yosemite Time
- Early History of the Valley
- Lamon
- Galen Clark
- Hetch Hetchy Valley