SON OF THE WILDERNESS

A particularly interesting biography whose subject, John Muir, his Scots background, and grim childhood, his exploration of America, his love of wandering, is presented in three dimensions. How he chose the life of a tramp rather than a comfortable career as inventor or artisan, how he found, in California, its forests, and mountains, his home and his life work, how he fought for conservation locally and nationally, how he tried to enlighten Americans about the wonders of their country, how his curiosity and simplicity brought him famous friends here and abroad -- this is but part of an informative and rewarding book. Natural history, outdoors, a happy family life -- worthwhile reading.