The National Parks

In this beautifully illustrated companion volume to the PBS series, Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan explore the radical idea that America's national parks should be preserved for the public good, tracing their history from the discovery of Yosemite in 1851 to the establishment of Yellowstone as the first national park in 1872. The narrative highlights the adventures, political struggles, and key figures, such as John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt, who played pivotal roles in its development. With a focus on the diverse landscapes and the enduring principles that have shaped the park system, The National Parks is a captivating tribute to an essential aspect of American democracy.