The National Parks: America's Best Idea

This is an excellent book on our National Parks. Not only does it expound the natural beauties of America, it is also a history of both the national park system and, indirectly, American conservation, which is deeply rooted in our citizens' awe with the land they saw when they expanded westward. Nearly all the the well-known (i.e. John Muir) and lesser-known figures...more

This is an excellent book on our National Parks. Not only does it expound the natural beauties of America, it is also a history of both the national park system and, indirectly, American conservation, which is deeply rooted in our citizens' awe with the land they saw when they expanded westward. Nearly all the the well-known (i.e. John Muir) and lesser-known figures (i.e. Lancelot Jones) in the history of our nation's parks make an appearance. And, like all of Ken Burns' works, it is imbued with a beauty and poetry that reflects a simple question back on the reader: "What does it mean to be an American?" I challenge anyone to read this book and not have an urge to get up and immediately see their closest national park, monument, or forest. The pictures and paintings selected from nearly every national park and monument adds a sense of gravitas to the idea of what it is the national parks protect. Ultimately, this is a must-read for every American as much as the PBS documentary is essential viewing for every American.   hide