My First Summer in the Sierra

John Muir spent the summer of 1869 herding sheep through the Yosemite Valley in California. During this time, Muir detailed his daily activities, thoughts and explorations in his personal journal; this journal would later become My First Summer in the Sierra. By all accounts, the book is a reverent celebration of the beauty and wonder of nature. As Muir describes the sights and sounds of the Sierra, many of the natural objects that surround him take on human qualities. To Muir, trees seem noble and wise, while flowers are delicate and pure. As the journal entries progress throughout the book, Muir’s relationship with nature becomes one steeped in spirituality. When describing the environment that surrounds him, Muir’s language is religious and sermon-like, as he attributes the awe of nature to the power of God. Beyond his philosophic musings, however, Muir also works to record information on the fauna and flora of the Sierra. Not only was Muir a writer, but he was also a scientist deeply concerned with the chemistry and ecology of the natural world. The many faces of My First Summer in the Sierra make it a valuable book for both those interested in literature and those concerned with science and environmentalism.