A well-written business perspective on the national parks
359213
This book combines a history of some of the concessions in the Western national parks, a polemic against environmentalists, and a personal memoir.  Don Hummel was a seasonal ranger at Grand Canyon and Lassen Volcanic national parks while a college student.  When he got his law degree, he tried to set up a law practice back home in Tucson when an opportunity appeared to open up lodging and stores in Lassen Volcanic.  He spent many years running that concession in summer and a law practice in winter.  He eventually added concessions in Mount McKinley and Glacier national parks, and became the head of the Yosemite concession under a larger company.  For over a dozen years he was also the president of the main trade group for the park concessioners.  His law practice seemed to thrive, too, and became a political career.  He was mayor of Tucson, member of various advisory committees and boards, and ultimately Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. under Lyndon Johnson.

All in all, then, Hummel was a remarkable man with diverse interests and talents.  He's also a pretty good writer and this is an interesting, easy to read book.  His main purpose is to complain about environmentalists who want to lock up land as wilderness, keeping most Americans out.  He believes the environmentalists have taken over the National Park Service, which is systematically removing concessions from the national parks - - including the lodgings that he built with his own hands in Lassen.

That last fact tells you that there's a lot of emotion in this battle of his.  It also seems from the book that Hummel was a very energetic and passionate man, and those emotions certainly come through.  Even so, his calmer, rational lawyer-businessman side dominates the story and makes it a good read.

The book has a nice introduction by Rep. Mo Udall, one of the leading environmental politicians of the West, and a long-time associate of Hummel.  Udall says that he doesn't agree with everything Hummel says but that his perspective is important and needs to be heard.  That's exactly right.

In this engaging memoir Hummel does a great job putting a human face on the "corporations" that run the businesses in our parks.  Anyone interested in how the park service manages our parks will learn a lot from the book.
835113
This is a book that any person visiting Mt. Rainier can find useful.  Although written from the perspective of getting that great photo, it provides particularly useful information on visiting various areas in the park.  I appreciated the personal comments on the various trails - very helpful for planning so as to make to most of your time in the park.  From a photographer's view, he also provides the technical details of each photo (focal length, shutter speed, aperture) so I can evaluate whether I can capture a similar memory with my cellphone, or if I need to bring along the big camera.
3115506
FORESTS, ALLIGATORS, BATTLEFIELDS: My Journey through the National Parks of the South by Danny Bernstein
I was lucky enough to have been sent a advanced review copy of this book by Rowe Carenen Copeland and Danny Bernstein.
What a great book, and interesting read it has been. The Author who has written other hiking books through some of these sites that she lists here,  gives us a thorough  description of the sites history and a look into how our country was formed, by what happened at these sites.  She has also included an immense amount of personal, facts and insight about what she  finds in each place, from what is blooming when she visits, to birds in the area and other wildlife that may be seen, to how attentive, and informative the rangers and volunteers may be, what to ask them or to how well trails etc are maintained.
One can see that she has a big love for our National Parks and she has instilled in me the want to know more and to visit as many of these places as I can.
The way she has laid out the chapters of this book was a bit confusing to me at times, which was done by meaningful themes, but in the back of the book she has the areas listed by States and which chapter to find that specific National Park, so that was helpful for me.
176903
I work for a specialty travel company an I have traveled to the Galapagos Islands many times.  I am also a former travel naturalist and guide with a heightened interest in natural history. On a recent Galapagos Cruise I read Henry Nicholls, "The Galapagos: A Natural History" and it was wonderful. Galapagos National Park guides are very good at identifying species and outlining specific processes, but they rarely paint a picture of the larger story of the Galapagos. Nicholls' book fills that void nicely with easy to read yet in depth descriptions of the islands geologic, evolutionary and natural history processes. His treatment of the human history of the islands is also enlightening and rarely covered by local guides. Nicholls' is able to synthesize complex ideas making them easily understood by non scientist readers. And he clearly loves the islands and wants to protect them, which I can relate to. I recommend this book to all my clients traveling to the Galapagos Islands.
1787791
In this book, business journalist Andrea Gabor traces the contributions of several key management thinkers and practitioners, and how their efforts shaped both the modern American corporation and popular notions of it. By chronicling well known (such as F.W. Taylor and Robert McNamara) and less known (such as Mary Parker Follett and Fritz Roethlisberger) figures, Gabor succeeds in illustrating how their ideas built on one another and in many cases anticipated by decades the challenges managers would -- and continue -- to face.
The result of Gabor's efforts is not solely a survey of prominent people, but rather a nuanced discussion of the development of what proved to be some of the 20th century's most influential thoughts on management, irrespective of the originator's fame. This approach has several benefits. First, it accurately maps the development of fundamental theories of the corporation's role in society without bowing to the cults of personality around certain writers. Next, it demonstrates how ideas may be attributable not just to one genius, but to several individuals who may articulate similar thoughts in response to changes in society and work life.
For readers looking to understand the development of management theory, this book is an excellent place to start. For all readers, Gabor makes this an entertaining book by describing in detail the personal qualities of these figures, and how their backgrounds and work experiences shaped the perspectives they brought to bear on the early problems of management.
3706465
I have had the opportunity to go on a tour through the Magic Kingdom with Jeff Kober in the past.  On his tours, he gives detailed information about the park and it's history and about why Disney does things the way they do.

Reading this book gave me the opportunity to go on a tour with him through Disney's Hollywood Studios without having to be there in person and purchasing a ticket (though I do love to visit the parks).  There is great information about the park and about the way Disney conducts business. He also provides tips and questions to help you apply the same principles to your own business and the service you provide.

This book is great for Disney enthusiasts and anyone looking for ways to improve their business.
3849627
If you love the Grand Canyon, you will be delighted with this selection of naturalists articles written in the first half of the past century (!). Easy to read, most of the writing consisting of articles of a few lines to a few pages, you can open the book anywhere and transport yourself on or below the rim, at a time when a lot fewer tourists visited the canyon. The book is divided in three parts, Earth sciences (geology, river, sky and seasons), Life science (flora, fish, birds, mammals,) and Human history (archaeology, ethnobotany and history). Nice little B&W drawings throughout the book, this is a very good complement to a visit to the Grand Canyon or to any coffee table picture book on the Grand Canyon usually thin on writing.
1227889
a collaboration of author and photographer to publish a travel guide based on ones love and the others experience. the guide is full of color photos of the parks year round inhabitants, the authors hot spots and places to explore.  also listed are places to lodge, maps, driving instructions, and best of all lots of practical information and science behind why some things are the way they are.  this is one of the more comprehensive guides as you can plan your whole getaway using it alone as it relates to the parks, and the local sites. the photography is wonderful.
3972820
An entertaining book giving the reader an inside view in the life of a park ranger in the Smokies. It covers a 20-year plus period of interesting changes in how humans interact with the other wildlife that are in the area. A strong conservation ethic is enforced with practical advice good for anyone who visits any wild area where large mammals are present. It also gives insight into the re-establishment of a locally extinct species (elk) and the many challenges that such an endeavor entails.
672834
This book is part one of a two-volume history of Yellowstone National Park, written by a long-time park historian.  Haines is an old-style historian, the kind who could write a book entitled "Yellowstone Place Names," or begin this book with a chapter on the name of the park.  He has maps showing the dates in which today's Yellowstone changed hands from France, England, or Spain; or from Louisiana to Missouri to Nebraska to Dakota to Idaho to the current states.  He likes documenting such things.  His years in the National Park Service did not train him to think outside the box.

But those years also taught him the park inside out.  The book is full of little hints about special places off the beaten track, unmarked on any map.  Haines also knows the park's history thoroughly.  He commands the facts and can weigh in on various debates about this and that.  As a result, this book is a valuable reference for those interested in Yellowstone.

The book is a great source of anecdotes about early visitors.  Haines spends a lot of time on the mountain men who were the first whites in the area.  He tells the story of each American expedition in the region.  He introduces us to all the early Euro-American settlers.  (He also spends a little time on the pre-European Natives.)  Though Haines is not self-conscious about what he's doing, this story fits into he usual one of Conquest, of Explorers taming the land.

What, in Haines' mind, does it all add up to?  It's not clear.  Haines is not one to give you an overall narrative.  He does not give us an interpretation of the park and its history.  He doesn't tell us why the park's story is important to tell.

That, dear reader, is left to you.  When you do it, though, you'll want this book on your shelf to refer to.
4785944
Story's first guidebook in the 'Bicycling America's National Parks' series (California) is an excellent all-around cycling guide (and general guidebook) for the Golden State.  It's concise, thorough, and balanced, presented in personable, witty language.  He includes a variety of road and mountain bike routes for virtually every riding level.  His lodging, shopping, and especially dining suggestions are first rate.  It includes almost all the information a would-be tourist (as I was) needs for a bicycling trip to CA.  Story also throws in some nice tidbits about natural and cultural history of each park, as well as description of fauna and flora (plants and animals), and worthwhile less-known attractions.
This guide from Story features most of the same attributes as his previous guide.  He includes a variety of rides that highlight the nearly infinite geographical and ecological diversity of Oregon and Washington.  Once again, he includes abundant, but concise information and recommendations related to lodging and related travel info, presented in personable language (though he's not as consisently funny).  As before, he provides a nice natural and historical background, serving to not just describe, but introduce the reader to each park (or recreational area).
There is one minor shortcoming, relative to Story's National Parks/California book.  That guide contained abundant supplemental information related to dining and other special attractions within or near each park.  While this guidebook has some info. of that nature, it seems much more sparse.  This might be because many trails in Oregon and Washington are in fairly rural areas far from any major (or even minor) population center.  This considered, this guidebook still doesn't seem as complete as his California edition, which provided that reader with virtually everything we'd need to plan our trip.  This isn't to say this guide is poor, it just doesn't quite match up to the standards of Story's previous guide.  Once again, it would be helpful if Story included a general map of each park (this was the only minor problem I had with his CA edition).
Even if it doesn't quite measure up to Story's California guide, Oregon/Washington is still far superior to most other cycling guidebooks available (even allowing for it's uniqueness).  It's an indespensible tool for anyone planning a cycling trip to or near the national parks/recreational areas of Oregon and Washington.  It's a perfect starting point, though you might want to research the areas more before heading out.
2205199
This is a fun book for looking for new experiences and exploring the western National Parks. It is easy to read, attractive in its layout, full of pictures, and informative. Fodor's guides have become one of our go-to's for travel. They aren't the most exhaustive resources out there, but they are fun and easy to read and the perfect size for throwing in a backpack. This guide would be great for a road trip where you have some open road and some open time. You'll discover national parks you didn't even know existed... and will likely start dreaming about your next road trip on the way. This guide will not give you in-depth information on each park (nor is it designed to) - but it will whet your appetite for adventure and give you enough information to get you started.
4482727
While the audience for this book may be limited, if you are a lover of Minnesota's state parks - I have visited 52 of the 71 - this book is a must have.

Well written, thouroughly researched  and intelligently organized, it imparts great insight about the history of these special  places that many of us do not know about or take for granted. It certainly has enhanced my apprecation of the parks knowing the great effort by many people that  went into establishing them, and the obstacles that had to be overcome.

The unfortunate reality is that the financial realities of today along with the indifferent attitudes of the public are making it harder and harder to protect our natural heritage. I recommend this book especially to the legislature of our state (and other states) in the hope that this might change.
3810613
John D. McQuaig, business consultant and mountaineer, draws for the reader a set of parallels between his two pursuits. He tells us that all the vision, planning and focus that go into a successful climb are likewise the keys to building a successful business.

While there are many books on business ownership, I have never read one that so happily blended business with action and adventure.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Parallel-Peaks-Business-Insights-While-Climbing-the-World-s-Highest-Mountains/dp/1599960702/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Parallel Peaks: Business Insights While Climbing the World's Highest Mountains</a>&nbsp;is short (116 pages) and highly readable, and makes a good starting point for anyone planning a business venture--or wanting to reclaim the joy and enthusiasm of a pursuit gone stale.

McQuaig's eight keys to success are enumerated elsewhere so I won't list them here. All of them, however, are well within the control of a committed entrepreneur. Even his eighth key, luck, can be managed to a certain extent: prepare to capitalize on good luck and mitigate the bad effects when circumstances go awry.

The linkage between climbing and business came to McQuaig at the summit of Africa's Mt. Kilimanjaro. Throughout the book he entertains with stories from this and other climbs, and there are numerous highly apt examples and anecdotes. It may be "business lite," but on the other hand "fourteeners" (mountains exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation) are risky to life and limb, so a climber's technique has to be sound if he's going to come back to his desk and write about it.

John D McQuaig, like Douglas Adams, delightfully exploits "the fundamental interconnectedness of all things." (<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Dirk-Gently-s-Holistic-Detective-Agency/dp/0671746723/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency</a>)

Thanks to J. Kaye Oldner, on whose Book Blog I won this book. I recommend it to you as a quick and inspiring read.

Linda Bulger, 2008
1887289
This is a readable and effective study of the role William Douglas played in mid-century environmental conservation, in large part while he was on the bench of the Supreme Court.  More than that, though, this book provides a well-written view of changing passions for nature's open spaces from before WWII through the birth of the modern environmental movement by the 1970s.  Douglas is not an entirely sympathetic character--he comes across as gruff, difficult to get along with, probably a bit irascible--but Sowards does a nice job of identifying these character traits. He then uses most of the book to explain how the Justice took the imprint of his childhood backyard in Washington State and expressed it through a consistent lifelong passion for trails and parks and mountains across America.  (As someone from the mid-Atlantic who has walked parts of the C&O Canal trail many times, I was most interested to learn about the role Douglas played in protecting that trail from development.) Readers will learn about how Justice Douglas worked to conserve those spaces for the future through his personal advocacy and through his support on the bench for the rise of new environmental legislation into the 1970s. I'd say this book does what most good histories do, which is to bring a broader awareness of past figures and decisions to light. And in a clear and effective way.
2606658
If you're looking for one book that is not only informative regarding our National Parks, but beautiful to look at....this is it.  Wonderfully written with great information regarding the parks and packed with outstanding photography.  Great for planning a trip, or, if you can't go, this is a wonderful option to visit the parks vicariously!  Beautiful book.
722585
Written by longtime area residents, this handy guide reads south to north, has small but good trail maps, includes interesting historical details, and contains a healthy number of good-quality (alas, B&W) photos.  An appendix lists Park and Campground information but the book does not cover lodging and dining facilities.  The book concludes with a helpful index.

The front of the book features several pages of tables grouping hikes according to whether they feature Rivers, Creeks and Ponds, or Lots of Wildflowers, Old Growth Redwoods, Beaches and/or Coast, and even hikes for Terrific Fall Color.  Also included are miles and difficulty.

Trail and hike descriptions list the essentials: length, difficulty, elevation; and for the photographers among us, indispensable details such as areas rich in spring wildflowers, as well as areas with concentrations of deciduous trees that lend themselves to good fall color, also riparian scenes, and of course old-growth stands of the most stunning Giants themselves.

I'm in the planning stages of a trip to Redwood Country and after just reading this book cover-to-cover, it may be the only guide I need.