History Books
(arranged alphabetically)
BLACK & BROWN FACES in AMERICA'S WILD PLACES
Edmondson
The author, an
African American wildlife photographer, sought out other people of color with
deep connections to nature and asked them about their personal experiences, how
they came to value nature and why African Americans seem under-represented in
our parks and conservation efforts. The result is a compelling look at the
issues that are so important to the future of our public lands. These personal
profiles are not only interesting but provide insight into the past, present and
future practices for our environment.
Includes bonus booklet "A Youth's Look at Black & Brown Faces in
America's Wild Places" inside to give to a young person.
BUFFALO SOLDIERS: A Narrative of the Negro Cavalry in the West
Leckie
Black soldiers who wanted to remain in the U.S. Army after the Civil
War were organized into the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments. Their service
in controlling hostile Indians on the Great Plains during the next 20
years was as invaluable as it was unrecognized. Called all sorts of names
- most of them insulting - by various groups, the men of these tow
regiments were dubbed 'buffalo soldiers' by their Indian opponents. The
long-neglected story of their courage and devotion to duty adds a new
dimension to frontier history. Illustrated with black-and-white
photos.
CHALLENGE OF THE BIG TREES:
A Resource History of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Dilsaver and Tweed (S.N.H.A.)
In nine chronologically ordered chapters, this thorough study moves through the natural
world of the southern Sierra, native people of the region, and concludes with discussion
of current management policy and prospects. Maps and historical photos.
COLONEL YOUNG AND THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS
IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
Eldredge
The story of the remarkable accomplishments Charles Young and the Buffalo Soldiers in
the summer of 1903 and the legacy they left behind. Includes archival black and white photos.
DEATH, DARING AND DISASTER
Farabee
A gripping history of search and rescue in our national parks filled with adventure
stories, often with tragic outcomes. A ringing tribute to the deserving men and women who
have performed heroically in search and rescue over the years.
FROM PIONEERS TO PRESERVATIONISTS
Strong
In this completely revised and re-titled edition (previously
Trees or Timber), the author brings the story of both Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks up to date. A great book to have for a brief history on these
parks. Includes historic black and white photos.
THE GREAT THIRST
,
Californian's and Water: A History
Hundley, Jr.
The story of "the great thirst" is brought up to date in this revised edition of
Norris Hundley's outstanding history, with additional photographs and incisive
descriptions of the major water-policy issues facing California now:
accelerating urbanization of farmland and open spaces, persisting despoliation
of water supplies, and demands for equity in water allocation for an exploding
population. People the world over confront these problems, and Hundley examines
them with clarity and eloquence in the unruly laboratory of California.
HARDY
CALIFORNIANS; A Woman's Life with
Native Plants
Rowntree
A beloved classic first published in 1936, this
book is a poetic sketch of California and its plant life. In charming prose, the
author takes us along on her annual seed-collecting journey through the state
and gives a concise introduction to the complexities of California flora,
climate, and geography. The book also gives information on the suitability of
many native California plants for the garden. This new edition includes a
comprehensive biographical essay, a chapter on Rowntree's horticultural legacy,
an updated species list, and a complete bibliography of her writings.
HIGH
COUNTRY, A Novel
Wyman|
After returning home from World War I, Ty Hardin returns to packing -
guiding mule trains into mountains where wagons cannot travel - in the Montana
mountains that he loves. But when his mentor, Fenton Pardee, dies, Ty leaves
Montana for the Sierra Nevada where he becomes a legend in his own right.
Hardcover, 362
pages $24.95
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HIGH SPIRITED WOMEN
Seagraves
Profiles of ten courageous women who helped shape history are told in this inspiring and
entertaining book. Descriptive text accompanied by period photographs provide
glimpses of these women and the people whose lives they touched.
HISTORY OF THE SIERRA NEVADA
Farquhar
This history deals with human experiences primarily in the High Sierra from the latter
part of the 18th century to the present. "For the mountaineer, the camper, the
lover of the high country, the historian, and the geographer interested in the historical
development of California country."
KAWEAH REMEMBERED
Tweed (S.N.H.A.)
Booklet documents the story of the Kaweah Colony's dream of a utopian society
adjacent to the Giant Sequoias. Historical photos help to illuminate their
undertaking, from its inception in 1885 to its disbanding in 1892.
KING OF THE 40TH PARALLEL
Moore
This book recounts the life and achievements of Clarence
King, widely recognized as one of America's most gifted intellectuals of the
nineteenth century, and a legendary figure in the American West. King led
landmark precursory surveys that positioned him to become the founding director
of the U.S. Geological Survey, the most important government science agency in
the nation.
THE LAST SEASON
Eric Blehm
In 1996, after nearly 30 seasons as a park ranger in the Sierra Nevada, Randy
Morgenson set off on a routine patrol and never came back. His body was found in
July 2001, almost exactly five years after he disappeared. To this day, the
circumstances of his death remain unclear. In this fascinating account, the
product of several years' investigation, Blehm explores the many mysteries
surrounding Morgenson. Now also available in paperback!
THE MATHER MOUNTAIN PARTY OF 1915
Albright & Schenck (S.N.H.A.)
Full account of the High Sierra trip of Stephen T. Mather, first Director of the National Park
Service. Ideals and policies explored during his historical adventure are said to have paved the way
for the expansion of these parks and the National Park Service itself. Period photos.
MINERAL
KING, THE STORY OF BEULAH
Jackson
A full history of Mineral King, from its discovery in 1863
until its inclusion in Sequoia National Park in 1978. It covers a wide
spectrum of events: mining, sheep and cattle raising, court battles, and
conservation movements. It presents a unique picture of the development of
an important segment of our western mountain region and its history.
MISSING IN THE MINARETS,
The Search for Walter A. Starr, Jr.
Alsup
This riveting narrative details the mysterious disappearance of Peter Starr, a
San Francisco attorney from a prominent family, who set off to climb alone in
the rugged Minaret region of the Sierra Nevada in July 1933. Rigorous and
thorough searches by some of the best climbers in the history of the range
failed to locate him despite a number of promising clues.
When all
hope seemed gone and the last search party had left, mountaineering legend,
Norman Clyde refused to give up. His discovery and the events that
followed make for compelling reading. This re-creation of a famous episode in
the annals of the Sierra Nevada is mountaineering literature at its best.
MOUNTAINEERING IN THE SIERRA NEVADA
King
A reprint of a key, historical source written by a member of the California
Geological Survey party that was the first to map and explore the Sierra Nevada. This "debonair classic of Western belles-lettres," has remained in
print for much of its one hundred and twenty-odd years, and it still finds favor with the critics.
MULE MEN
Jackson
A history of stock packing in the Sierra Nevada. The story is
presented in a way that preserves the history with all its color.
Gives credit to the people and mules of this little-known enterprise that
has been such a large part of Sierra Nevada history.
NATIONAL PARK RANGER, An American Icon
Farabee, Jr.
In this celebration of one of America's most enduring symbols, former ranger Farabee briefly
reviews the evolution of this national symbol. Packed with entertaining anecdotes and illustrated
with over 100 archival photographs, this book not only provides fascinating insight into the diversity
of roles a park ranger must play, but also honors the unique people dedicated to guarding and maintaining
this country's irreplaceable treasures.
PAST TENTS
Snyder
A humorous excursion through one of our favorite national pastimes, this
book is an affectionate portrait of early camping in the West. Full of
rare photographs and descriptions of family outings in the first years of the
automobile, of campgrounds and campfires, of the remarkable gear and "helpful"
hints that accompanied outings to our newly minted state and national parks and
forests, this is a light-hearted look at Americans' infatuation with the great
outdoors.
SHORTY
LOVELACE, KINGS CANYON FUR TRAPPER
New!
Tweed
Shorty Lovelace was a colorful character in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National
Parks history. This is a fascinating story of his life in the wilderness
long before park status was given to Kings Canyon.
It reads more like a fictional short story than a history book.
SPLENDID MOUNTAINS, 
Early Exploration in the Sierra Nevada
New!
Browning
Most of the early explorers of the Sierra Nevada were private individuals,
rather than members of government expeditions. The more literate ones had
accounts of their achievements, adventures, and mishaps published in newspapers
and journals, often accompanying them with photographs, drawings, and hand-drawn
maps. Most of these wilderness travelers have been immortalized by having their
names placed on mountains, lakes, and streams.
SUNSET LIMITED:
The Southern Pacific Railroad
and the Development of the American West 1850-1930
Orsi
This authoritative history tells the full story of the Southern Pacific for
the first time, shattering myths about the company that have prevailed to this
day. A landmark account, Sunset Limited explores the railroad's
development and influence--especially as it affected land settlement,
agriculture, water policy, and the environment--and offers a new perspective on
the tremendous, often surprising, role the company played in shaping the
American West.
Hardcover, 615 pages
$29.95 |
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THEY FELLED THE REDWOODS
Johnston
The story of the rise and fall of the lumbering enterprise at Hume Lake/Converse Basin in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Includes historical facts about the forest and its trees. Two hundred photographs and six comprehensive maps.
Hardcover, 160 pages
$34.95
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TOWARD THE SETTING SUN; Pioneer Girls Traveling the Overland Trails
O'Brien
By focusing on the lives of pioneer girls, this book provides a fascinating addition to the history of
the West. Through diary excerpts and O'Brien's descriptive prose, you can join ten girls
as they journey toward the setting sun.
TRAIN ROBBER'S DAUGHTER
New!
O'Connell
The true story of Eva Evans, the teenage daughter of Chris Evans, whose life
was just as dramatic as that of her train robbing father. From her first-hand
accounts of the manhunt for her father; her romance with his bandit partner,
John Sontag; her career on the stage, portraying herself in a popular blood and
thunder melodrama; and her surprising admission, at the end of her life, of her
father's guilt, this meticulously-researched biography tells a gripping story
that not only entertains, but is a valuable contribution to California history.
WESTERING MAN: The Life of Joseph Walker
Gilbert
The first biography of this great frontier hero is based on years of research and many
previously unpublished and neglected sources. It gives a rousing and authoritative
picture of Walker; his pioneering heritage, his many accomplishments, and his exceptional
personality.
WHERE
IS THE TREE YOU DRIVE THROUGH?
Folkman
An account of twenty-five summers of experiences and adventures in two
National Park sites written by a seasonal National Park ranger-naturalist. It
details one season at Dinosaur National Monument and twenty-four seasons at
Sequoia National Park. Vaughn Folkman, the author, relates his experiences with
his family, colleagues, park visitors, and wildlife during those memorable
summers. It involves incidences of excitement, compassion, and satisfaction.
A WOMAN IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Webb
Melody Webb's reflections on her twenty-five-year career in the
National Park Service is an insider’s account of a public bureaucracy.
Hardcover, 272 pages $39.95
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WOMEN OF THE SIERRA
Seagraves
Vignettes of fifteen women who left their personal imprint on history are presented in an
easily read style. Period ranges from the mid-1800's through the turn of the century.
WOMEN'S
DIARIES OF THE WESTWARD JOURNEY
New!
Schlissel
Through the diaries, letters, and reminiscences of women who participated in
this migration, "Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey gives us primary source
material on the lives of these women, who kept campfires burning with buffalo
chips and dried weeds, gave birth to and cared for children along primitive and
dangerous roads, drove teams of oxen, picked berries, milked cows, and cooked
meals in the middle of a wilderness that was a far cry from the homes they had
left back east. Still (and often under the disapproving eyes of their husbands)
they found time to write brave letters home or to jot a few weary lines at night
into the diaries that continue to enthrall us.
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