The Great Outdoors: A 1000 Mile Walk to the Gulf


Book Description

In September 1867, Muir undertook a walk of about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from Kentucky to Florida, which he recounted in his book A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf. He had no specific route chosen, except to go by the "wildest, leafiest, and least trodden way I could find." "JOHN MUIR, Earth-planet, Universe."—These words are written on the inside cover of the notebook from which the contents of this volume have been taken. They reflect the mood in which the late author and explorer undertook his thousand-mile walk to the Gulf of Mexico. No less does this refreshingly cosmopolitan address, which might have startled any finder of the book, reveal the temper and the comprehensiveness of Mr. Muir's mind. He never was and never could be a parochial student of nature.




The Complete Novels of Herman Melville - All 10 Novels in One Edition


Book Description

Herman Melville's comprehensive collection in 'The Complete Novels of Herman Melville' offers readers a deep dive into the profound themes of humanity, nature, and destiny. Melville's literary style, characterized by his vivid imagery and intricate symbolism, creates a rich tapestry of adventure and introspection. Each novel, including the iconic 'Moby-Dick' and 'Billy Budd, Sailor', showcases Melville's unique exploration of moral dilemmas and existential questions, firmly placing him in the American literary canon of the 19th century. The collection provides readers with a glimpse into the author's mastery of character development and narrative complexity, making it a must-read for lovers of classic literature. Melville's work transcends time and continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes and unparalleled storytelling. 'The Complete Novels of Herman Melville' serves as a testament to the author's enduring legacy and literary genius, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the profound world of Melville's imagination.




America's Vacation Deficit Disorder


Book Description

"It is no secret that America is the No Vacation Nation. Our vacations nowadays consist of nothing more than a few long weekends a year...when we're not on staycations. Workplace stress and burnout in America are at all-time highs. That Americans are over-caff einated and sleep deprived is not surprising given that our work-leisure balance is so severely lopsided. Depression is epidemic. Chalmers' estimates that these seemingly isolated, yet wholly interconnected cultural data points cost the U.S. economy a trillion dollars a year in lost productivity...and may be shortening the life spans of Americans too! But it wasn't always like this in America...and it surely doesn't have to be either. A stunningly well-researched book, offering readers an explanation of why Americans are suffering from an acute case of Vacation Deficit Disorder...and what the unintended consequences mean to every American couple, parents, families, workers, bosses, and our nations economy. It explains clearly why Americans dont travel...and why they really should! What really makes humans happy; and offers profound insight into how the lucky few Americans who do take vacations can enjoy them better and reap their life-enhancing benefits. And it passionately explains how all Americans would benefi t from his 4% Solution prescription. This book offers a compelling American centric cultural narrative that explains in great detail and with erudite analysis just who stole our vacation.




John Muir


Book Description

John Muir was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, and early advocate of preservation of wilderness in the United States. His activism helped to preserve Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and other wilderness areas. The Sierra Club, which he founded, is still active today. The John Muir Trail is a 211-mile hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada. Now readers can explore how his childhood influenced his life.




The Biohistory of Florida


Book Description

Florida has an amazing biohistory. Its fossil record reveals that 8-ton ground sloths, giant beavers, and tiny horses once roamed its 66,000 square miles. Its human history is the story of people who arrived some 12,000 years ago after a journey that took them from Asia across the Bering land bridge and then south across the North American continent. Today, Florida is home to historic St. Augustine, the futuristic Kennedy Space Center, and the mysterious Everglades. Hosting a diverse ecology and a rich human history, Florida now faces a tenuous future as its natural resources are depleted, new species of plants, animals and diseases invade, and climate changes loom. This fascinating biohistory, prehistoric to present-day, and with an eye to the future, is told with verve and clarity. The result is a fascinating story of how they all interrelate.




Paynes Prairie


Book Description

This new paperback edition of Paynes Prairie still offers the sweeping history of the shallow-bowl basin in the middle of Florida, just south of Gainesville, but now adds a guide to outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in the state preserve there today, along with maps of trails for biking, hiking, and canoeing.




A Thousand-mile Walk to the Gulf


Book Description

/MUIR JOHN Originally published in 1916, this book is largely comprised of lightly edited diary entries Muir made during his memorable 1867 trek from Kentucky to Florida. Mixing deft observations of the human condition with lyrical responses to the beauties of the natural world, Muir creates his own stirring "song of the Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.




A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf (Illustrated Edition)


Book Description

In John Muir's 'A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf (Illustrated Edition)', readers are taken on a lyrical journey through the American South during the post-Civil War era. Muir's descriptive prose and keen observations of nature immerse readers in a lush landscape teeming with wildlife and botanical wonders. This reimagined edition features stunning illustrations that complement Muir's vivid storytelling and offer a visual feast for readers. The book serves not only as a travelogue but also as a tribute to the beauty of the natural world and the importance of preserving it. Muir's poetic language and deep connection to the environment elevate this work to a masterpiece of American literature. John Muir, a renowned naturalist and conservationist, embarked on this epic journey to the Gulf of Mexico as a young man seeking adventure and solace in nature. His experiences along the way inspired his lifelong dedication to environmental advocacy and shaped his legacy as a pioneer in wilderness preservation. Muir's passion for the outdoors shines through in every page of this remarkable book, reminding readers of the profound impact nature can have on the human spirit. I highly recommend 'A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf (Illustrated Edition)' to anyone who appreciates lyrical writing, vivid descriptions of the natural world, and a deep reverence for the environment. Muir's timeless work continues to inspire readers to connect with nature and advocate for its protection, making this book a must-read for anyone who values the beauty of the Earth.




A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf (With Original Drawings & Photographs)


Book Description

John Muir's 'A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf (With Original Drawings & Photographs)' is a captivating account of his journey through the American South in the late 19th century. Muir's vivid descriptions of the landscape and wildlife, coupled with his philosophical musings on nature and conservation, showcase his literary prowess and deep connection to the environment. This book serves as a pioneering work in the genre of nature writing, inspiring future writers and environmental activists. The inclusion of Muir's original drawings and photographs adds a personal touch to the narrative, enhancing the reader's experience. Muir's lyrical prose and keen observations make this book a timeless classic in American literature. John Muir, a renowned naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club, was deeply passionate about the preservation of wilderness areas. His firsthand experiences in nature informed his writing and advocacy work, shaping his legacy as a prominent figure in the conservation movement. 'A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf' reflects Muir's belief in the intrinsic value of the natural world and his call to protect it for future generations. I highly recommend 'A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf' to readers interested in nature writing, environmental philosophy, and American history. Muir's eloquent prose and profound insights make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation for the beauty and significance of the natural world.




Black Faces, White Spaces


Book Description

Why are African Americans so underrepresented when it comes to interest in nature, outdoor recreation, and environmentalism? In this thought-provoking study, Carolyn Finney looks beyond the discourse of the environmental justice movement to examine how the natural environment has been understood, commodified, and represented by both white and black Americans. Bridging the fields of environmental history, cultural studies, critical race studies, and geography, Finney argues that the legacies of slavery, Jim Crow, and racial violence have shaped cultural understandings of the "great outdoors" and determined who should and can have access to natural spaces. Drawing on a variety of sources from film, literature, and popular culture, and analyzing different historical moments, including the establishment of the Wilderness Act in 1964 and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Finney reveals the perceived and real ways in which nature and the environment are racialized in America. Looking toward the future, she also highlights the work of African Americans who are opening doors to greater participation in environmental and conservation concerns.