Ken Burns

One would think that almost everyone would be in support of protecting our country's beautiful places, but this book highlights how much of a struggle it was and continues to be. The book was especially insightful because of the amount of quotes and personal interviews throughout, weaving into the story of the parks over the years. It was a long audiobook and took a lot of listening to get through, especially because of how broken up the story is. But this didn't detract from my enjoyment. I can't wait for my next trip to a national park to follow in the footsteps of John Muir, Stephen Mather, and George Wright.… (mais)

I don’t recall how this book got on my radar, but I’m grateful it did. I love nature and National Parks are the embodiment of preserving our magnificent pieces of land and monuments. Listening to the audiobook, I quickly learned that this book is a physical companion to a 12-hour PBS series by the authors, Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns. Streaming and viewing information can be found here. Below is a YouTube video trailer of the film series. (Please see link to my blog at the bottom of this review, where you can access the links and videos mentioned.)

Don’t be misled, this book is not a guide to the National Parks. It’s a history of the establishment of the park system, dating back to the late 1800’s. Let me be clear, it’s a fascinating history with many famous people at the forefront. For instance, the book opens with vivid descriptions of the beauty of Yosemite and the influence of Jon Muir. I am familiar with Jon Muir’s efforts and meaningful quotes, so it was a pleasure to learn more about his life. It also motivates me to want to learn more about him. (I’m sure I have more books on the subject in my libraries and wish lists.)

The authors detail how Yellowstone became the first National Park. From there, the stories flooded in about Mt. Rainier, Mt. Rushmore, and the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings. I learned that Jon Muir spontaneously climbed Mt. Rainier. Amazing! I must put together considerable preparation to take a long hike in Sedona, so I can’t imagine randomly climbing a mountain! It was fascinating to learn how the park system was developed. It never occurred to me that the act of preservation came before any structure was developed. Several parks were established well before Congress enacted any laws or policies. The creation of Park Rangers was established later in the process too. Guest accommodations never seemed to be a priority. I get it, when trying to preserve land, the last thing we need is construction to destroy said land.

I enjoyed learning about the development of the Audubon Society. It was a pleasure learning about the influence of Ansel Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, the Rockefeller family, Stanley Steamer (Rocky Mountains), and Mark Twain (Haleakala in Hawaii).

Listening to this audiobook stirred up so many memories and gave me feelings of pure nostalgia. I hadn’t realized how prevalent our National Parks truly are and how many I have visited. My visits began in childhood on those memorable family vacations. As an adult, I continue to treasure my time in any National Park or Monument. Maybe those early vacations planted a seed that keeps my craving for nature well alive. I am grateful for this book, not only for its education, but also for all of those heartfelt experiences I had forgotten.

I borrowed this audiobook from my local library with the Libby App. I enjoyed the narration by Ken Burns.

I thought I would close this book review with a few pictures of some of my favorite destinations. (Again, please see link to my blog below for pictures.)

Lastly, for anyone who appreciates art, my husband is a painter and has created some amazing oil paintings of a couple of National Parks, Cape Hatteras lighthouse in the Outer Banks, North Carolina and Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona. You’re welcome to explore his website for more information. (Last time, please see link to my blog below for access to the paintings.)

I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog… (mais)

Manche Bücher betrachte ich der Bilder wegen und weil die gewählten Zitate so unendlich klar und erhellend sind, so dass man magisch und tief in den anderen Text hineingezogen wird.

Ganz am Anfang stehen diese drei Aussagen:

Man kann es so sehen: Der Jazz ist ein gutes Barometer für die Freiheit.... In ihren Anfängen brachten die Vereinigten Staaten v0n Amerikan bestimmte Ideale für Freiheit und Unabhängigkeit hervor, aus denen sich schließlich auch der Jazz entwickelte - eine Musik, die so frei ist, das manche Menschen sie für den einzigen ungehinderten, unverfälschten Ausdruck völliger Freiheit halten, den dieses Land je hervorgebracht hat. Duke Ellington

Es ist krasser Individualismus in Reinkultur. Es bedeutet, raus auf die Bühne zu gehen und zu sagen: Völlig egal, wie es irgendjemand vor mir gespielt hat - ich werde es nach meiner Fasson spielen und nicht anders. Garry Giddins

Wer einem Jazzmusiker beim Spielen zusieht, der sieht einen Forscher, einen der experimentiert, einen Wissenschaftler, und dies alles gleichzeitig - denn dieses Spiel ist die Inkarnation des kreativen Prozesses. Albert Murray

Amerika wird in weiter Zukunft in Erinnerung bleiben wegen der Verfassung, Baseball und Jazz, sagte Gerald Early. In diesem Buch mit fast 500 Seiten wird die Geschichte des Jazz in 10 Kapiteln erzählt, visualisiert und weit darüber hinaus jene Seele ausgelotet, die Amerika entstehen ließ, errichtet im Kampf zwischen Haben und Nichthaben, Schwarz und Weiss, Underdogs und Big dogs, die Musik der neuen Welt, nach dem Krieg zu uns herüberfloatend, die Freiheit vom Untertantendasein im Gepäck.… (mais)