In Wilderness is the Preservation of the World

This is a wonderful book pairing Thoreau's words with dozens of Eliot Porter's beautiful color photographs: the kind of book best perused in an overstuffed chair in a warm oak-paneled room, but which makes the reader feel such cozy comfort whatever the setting. Gazing into its expressive photos always prompts a twinge of guilt that I'm not out on a hike, camera in hand, taking pictures RIGHT NOW. However, I can't recommend this edition. The 1962 first edition includes a lengthy note about the Sierra Club's (and Porter's) search high and low for a printer up to his demanding standards for his color photographs, and the result was rich bright color on glossy stock with deep but detailed shadows. The slight yellowing of pages over the past 45 years adds a delightful warmish glow . This edition has thinner, less glossy paper, grayer shadows, differently interpreted color (usually, though not always, for the worse), and overall less emotional impact. Do yourself a favor and pick up a decent used copy of the 1962 edition.

I first saw this book in the late 60s, I was young, it expanded my universe. Together with all of John Muir's work, others of Thoreau, Ansel Adams and a book named On The Loose, the effect was complete. In our cynical times what these artists have to say is even more important. A beautiful work. The title says it all In Wildness Is the Preservation of the World I have no doubt that is true.

I have a copy of the original hardcover edition, and the title is "In WILDNESS Is the Preservation of the World".

The photography in this book is spectacular! It is what you expect from a Sierra Club book. Put together with wonderfully thoughtful and though-provoking texts by various writers, this book can give even a hard-core city slicker pause. Wilderness at its best....words to salve the heart.