John Muir

Naturalist John Muir is best known for his intimate writing about the Sierra Mountains in California, but he was far more complex, as this audiobook shows well. His entire life was shaped by religion, literature, an inquiring mind, and a love of nature, especially wilderness. John McLain offers a solid narration. The audiobook is packed with details about Muir's life, but McLain's easy-on-the-ears style renders them listenable, indeed essential for understanding this historic figure. McLain wisely chooses not to adopt an accent similar to Muir's native Scottish. There are few extended direct quotes, so McLain uses slight pauses to indicate them. His steady pace makes the narrative flow nicely. Even listeners who know quite a bit about Muir will find new insights in this production. R.C.G. � AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine