Considered one of the patron saints of twentieth-century environmental activity, John Muir's appeal to modern readers is that he not only explored the American West but also fought for its preservation.

Travels in Alaska is part of a series that celebrates the tradition of literary naturalists--writers who embrace the natural world. In this collection, originally published in 1915, John Muir captures the beauty and intensity of Alaskan wilderness and its people from his travels between 1879 and 1890. John Muir's strength lies in delicately mapping the intimate connection between the person and natural world, and awakening his readers to that reality.

With an increasing global focus on the environment, and humans' role in protecting it, there's never been a finer time to reacquaint oneself with John Muir's writings.

John Muir was a Scottish-born American naturalist, author, early advocate of preservation of wilderness in the United States, and founder of The Sierra Club. His letters, essays, and books of his adventures in nature have been read by millions.