My First Summer in the Sierra


Read by Adrian Praetzellis

(4.8 stars; 234 reviews)

The journal of nature-lover John Muir who spent the summer of 1869 walking California’s Sierra Nevada range. From French Bar to Mono Lake and the Yosemite Valley, Muir was awestruck by everything he saw. The antics of the smallest “insect people” amazed him as much as stunted thousand-year old Juniper trees growing with inconceivable tenacity from tiny cracks in the stone. Muir spent the rest of his life working to preserve the high Sierra, believing that “the clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” John Muir (1838-1914) was born in Dunbar, Scotland and grew up in Wisconsin, USA. This recording commemorates the 140th anniversary of that first summer. (Summary by Adrian Praetzellis) (7 hr 13 min)

Chapters

01. June 3-6 1869 29:54 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
02. June 7-11 1869 22:57 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
03. June 12-15 1869 26:31 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
04. June 16-30 1869 25:28 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
05. July 1-8 1869 34:45 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
06. July 9-12 1869 32:34 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
07. July 14-19 1869 31:52 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
08. July 20-23 1869 32:41 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
09. July 24-28 1869 39:12 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
10. July 29-Aug 3 1869 28:14 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
11. Aug 4-11 1869 30:12 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
12. Aug 12-14 1869 15:41 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
13. Aug 21 1869 29:01 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
14. Aug 22-Sept 5 1869 23:41 Read by Adrian Praetzellis
15. Sept 6-22 1869 30:40 Read by Adrian Praetzellis

Reviews

reverent


(5 stars)

This will leave anyone with ears to hear and feet to walk thirsting for mountain waters, clean air, and the glorious beauty of natures gifts. Muir reminds us that every step and glance in the back country is full of wonder and that the source of life is constantly whispering in our ear. The reading is also beautiful.

Fantastic book


(5 stars)

Special thanks to the reader , I closed my eyes and you took me on an adventure .... Should be 10 stars


(5 stars)

such a well written, beautiful work written from the heart. this is my second time with me to this book and I can conclude that it is one of my favorite of all time in any situation when I put on this book I am moved to a tranquil state. John Muir is an idol to all nature lovers. she's descriptions are so vivid that they never cease to create vibrant and serene pictures in my head.


(5 stars)

The writing of John Muir is both poetic and inspirational, matching the majesty of the landscape which he traversed. This is a remarkable account of wilderness, and his powers of observation are awe-inspiring. The images he creates in your mind are strikingly vivid. A wonderful story wonderfully read. This fine narration is a gift to anyone with a love of the natural world.

what a wonderful book!


(5 stars)

I couldn't help but weep a little, my parents & I would drive to this region in the early spring. It was always so breathtakingly beautiful. And to hear the words of a great man, who had experienced so much in this area, and catalogued everything he saw.. I am so grateful. Thank you, Librivox & the wonderful Reader Adrian P. (sorry, I don't want to misspell your surname). This is a beautiful book about a beautiful place, beautifully read. The nature sounds were a great touch. Thank you all. I must add that Muir speaking about rocks, birds, trees, etc. as "people" communicates his great love & respect for his surroundings. I really love that.. he was a great man.


(5 stars)

Excellent reader of a good book. John Muir transports us to the calming majestic beauty of the famous California highland. We hike, explore, camp, appreciate nature’s wonder thru the eyes of Muir, who happens to sound like reader A.P.


(4 stars)

Good reader, who does justice to Muir's romantic sensibilities. It is read slowly so you can speed up quite a bit and still understand fine, making it shorter if time has put you off.


(5 stars)

Wonderful prose beautifully read. It is disturbing to hear attitudes toward Native Americans but it is also true it reflected prevailing societal attitudes .