JOHN MUIR

The exuberant boyhood and lifetime of a man who followed his curiosity into the wilderness and emerged with a mission to make others love and protect it for future generations. Careful and fairly complete, Wadsworth's chronicle includes Muir's strict upbringing by an ultrareligious Scottish father and other influences—such as poverty—that never dampened his zeal; if the man had his detractors, they are not found in these admiring pages. Still, readers will come away with a context for appreciating the current ``green'' movement, as well as with awe for the foresight that led to the institution of our national parks and for the individual who inspired their genesis. Well- stocked with b&w photos and Muir's own sketches; map; sources; bibliography; index. (Biography. 11+)