The Writings of John Muir (Manuscript Edition)

Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1916 - 1924.

(Item #1782) The Writings of John Muir (Manuscript Edition). John Muir.

The Writings of John Muir (Manuscript Edition)

Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1916 - 1924. First edition. A lovely, Fine set of Muir's works with an original manuscript page bound into the first volume. Manuscript reads: "...such instances are far rarer, than from the terrible appearance of the rocks (struck through and replaced with 'trail'), one would be led to expect (in pencil written above is 'anticipate'); the more experienced, when driven loose, find their own way over the most dangerous places, with a caution..." (published in Chapter 5 of The Mountains of California, discussing the passage of pack animals through "Bloody Canyon"). Number 595 of 750 numbered sets. Bound in the publisher's three-quarter burgandy morocco over cloth boards, marbled end papers, top edges gilt, complete with all text, maps and plates. Hand-colored frontis illustrations in volumes 1 - 8. Volumes 9 and 10 with frontis portraits. Large fold-out map of Yosemite in volume 2. Several volumes with the bookplate of Christopher Magee Steel on the front paste-down. Volume one with an old seller's description tipped onto the front paste-down.

One of America’s most important naturalists and preservationist – and a monumental figure in both the history of the environmental movement and the state of California. Muir not only founded the Sierra Club, but was instrumental in the establishment of both Yosemite and Sequoia National Park. Though Muir is known chiefly as an American figure, he was born in Scotland – and came over as a boy when his family immigrated to the Midwest. Muir maintained an interest in spirituality and nature from his youth. Indeed, he explored the American wilderness extensively after he finished college, walking at one point over 1000 miles from Kentucky to Florida. Eventually he would settle in Northern California, where he would make his most significant impact, exploring the Sierras and Yosemite. “He knew the mountains and forests of the West as they are known only to one who has dwelt in loneliness among them, hardened his body and nourished his soul in their splendorous solitudes.” (New York Times)
Fine (Item #1782)

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The Writings of John Muir (Manuscript Edition)
The Writings of John Muir (Manuscript Edition)
The Writings of John Muir (Manuscript Edition)
The Writings of John Muir (Manuscript Edition)
The Writings of John Muir (Manuscript Edition)
The Writings of John Muir (Manuscript Edition)
The Writings of John Muir (Manuscript Edition)