John Muir: America's Naturalist

Today I am participating in a Green Books campaign. I've stated my personal opinion about "being green" or "going green" before. I believe that we are to be good stewards of the world God made for us and we should take control over the things we have direct authority over. I'm not here to tell you how to be green and I don't expect anyone else to be telling me how to be green. I think it is a personal decision that each individual family must make for themselves. For our part, we like talking about how God created the world (Gen. 1:1) and then gave the instruction for the man and woman to take dominion of it. We seek to do just that by caring for the things that we have control over.

Recently, I was given an opportunity to review the book John Muir: America's Naturalist (published by Fulcrum Publishing). This book is illustrated by Thomas Locker, who also illustrated Rip Van Winkle (which I reviewed over at 5 Minutes for Books). His artwork is breathtaking. His paintings are masterpieces and I love just looking through his books - neverminding the words on teh page! Locker is a very gifted artist and it makes his books a delight.

Before reading this book on Muir, I really didn't know very much about him. I had heard the name before but I couldn't have told you who he was or what he did. Born in Scotland in 1838, Muir came to America with his family at age eleven. His father worked a farm in Wisconsin and tried to teach John that "nature was God's gift to man to use as a resource." John listened to his father (who I happen to agree with) but developed some of his own views of nature (which I also agree with). John found beauty in the world and was active in trying to preserve it. He founded the Sierra Club and worked with President Teddy Roosevelt to establish a national park system.
Heralded as a great environmentalist, these claims are very true to a certain extent. I don't agree with all of his philosophies and outlook but one thing I can agree with is his love of beauty and desire to protect and keep it. His work went on to inspire the likes of Ansel Adams. Muir also associated with Gifford Pinchot, the first head of a U.S. Forest Service. Pinchot believed in the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of people which is something I can totally agree with.

Muir's favorite natural location was what eventually became Yosemite National Park. Having visited there myself, I can be grateful to Muir for working to preserve this stunning piece of natural beauty. As a token (pardon this pun) of appreciation, Muir appears on the California quarter (released 2005). A fitting tribute, I think, and further acknowleges the following scripture passage:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Ps. 19:1

Again, I may not agree with all of Muir's philosophies but I do agree with what he was trying to do and I think this book presents a very balanced view of Muir and his ideals. I found it to be a very even keeled book that presents the basics of who Muir was and what he believed. Thomas Locker helps to express all of the points Muir was trying to make with this lovely illustrations and I think this book is a huge asset to children learning about how to take better care of the earth God created.

I rather recommend this one.

** This post was originally published as a giveaway but the contest is now closed.