The Solitary Mountaineer

This chapter investigates John Muir's texts against the backdrop of privileged notions of exclusivity regarding race, gender, and class. It also highlight's Muir's astute environmental and political critique, as well as his passionate and sensual delving into a more-than-human world. The chapter points out how Muir both epitomized and complicated a dualistic mindset and actively promoted and aided tourism, arguing that city dwellers needed vacation time in the mountains. It describes how Muir grew politically engaged and became one of the most effectual advocates for the national parks, becoming instrumental in making wilderness accessible to white men. It also talks about Muir's book that was distributed to both West and East Coast readership, which includes carefully crafted narratives of his achievements and his adventures and promotion of tourism in Yosemite Valley.