Alaska Days with John Muir (eBook)

Samuel Hall Young, a minister and author born in 1847, is perhaps best known for his close association with the famed naturalist John Muir. Young's account of their joint explorations, 'Alaska Days with John Muir' (1915), provides a vivid portrayal of the Alaskan frontier at the close of the 19th century and offers personal insights into Muir's character and philosophy. Raised in Pennsylvania, Young was ordained as a Presbyterian minister and eventually moved to the Alaskan Territory in 1878, where he served as a missionary among Indigenous populations. Drawing from his diaries and memories, Young's literary contributions offer a blend of adventure, spiritual reflection, and environmental appreciation. His narratives are characterized by a descriptive and engaging style, capturing the grandeur of Alaska's emerging wilderness and fostering a greater understanding of its natural beauty. Young's works contribute to a broader comprehension of the American frontier experience and the early environmental movement. He died in 1927, leaving behind a poignant reminder of the unspoiled American wilds through his collaborative explorations with Muir and the lasting legacy of his written accounts.