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Biography: The Life and Contributions of John Muir

This section features articles, essays, chronologies, books, an atlas, and other resources written by others about John Muir. See also our Bibliographic Resources and the Writings by John Muir.

Reminder: This site provides resources and information about John Muir, past and present. Its contents do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the Sierra Club.

Introducing John Muir

Brief Biographies:
  • Chronology of Important Events in the Life of John Muir (short)
  • A Geography of John Muir - Muir traveled extensively in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and elsewhere in the world in search of the beauties of Nature. Also see below for a few articles about some of Muir's travels.

    Off-Site links:

    Annotated Chronology

    • Chronology of the Life and Legacy of John Muir - from his birth to the present day (1838-2016) This detailed chronology offers a year-by year timeline of Muir's life, followed by the ongoing - and increasing - interest in Muir down to the present. Many links will lead you to various fascinating parts of the John Muir Exhibit.

    Scotland - Muir's Birthplace

    • Scotland section of Geography of John Muir
    • John Muir's Scottish Ancestry: Muir Clan or Gordon Clan? by Harold Wood
    • Discover John Muir - A comprehensive website filled with resources about John Muir from a UK perspective, sponsored by the John Muir Trust in collaboration with the John Muir Birthplace. Includes a collection of educational resources including activities, games, films, art, programs, articles, photos, books, and events held in Scotland. (off-site link)
    • "A New Muir Association Formed In Scotland"
    • John Muir Trust - Taking their name and inspiration from John Muir, the John Muir Trust works to protect wild places throughout Scotland and the United Kingdom.  Its mission is: To work with others to inspire people to get close to wild nature; speak up for the benefits of wildness; prevent the loss of wild places; manage wild places in a responsible and exemplary fashion; and repair and rewild what has been damaged in the past. (off-site link)
    • John Muir's Birthplace - Explore the life and legacy of  John Muir by visiting the house in Dunbar, Scotland, where he was born – now a unique museum and the starting point of the John Muir Way. The exterior has been restored and now looks much as it would have done in 1838 – the year John Muir was born. Inside, you will find three floors of family friendly interactive displays where staff and volunteers will help you learn more about Muir’s boyhood in Scotland. The website is filled with useful and interesting resources.  (offsite link)
    • Friends of John Muir's Birthplace - Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace (founded in 1994 as “Dunbar’s John Muir Association” promotes the life and work of John Muir in Dunbar, Scotland and beyond. The Association successfully campaigned for the development of the Muir Birthplace site celebrating Muir’s vision and influence on world conservation. The group supports the work of the John Muir Birthplace by helping to fund its activities and in the preparation of resource material. (offsite link)
    • John Muir Way - This 134 mile walking and bicycling path going from coast to coast across central Scotland encourages outdoor discovery, and promotes understanding of John Muir’s legacy and philosophy by getting closer to nature. With the John Muir Way activity guide, you can learn more about John Muir and native flora, fauna, and history in Scotland. The Guide is brimming with ideas and resources for citizen science, adventure, Curriculum for Excellence, volunteering, achievement awards and creative activities. With a John Muir Way Passport, you can have your passport stamped to mark your progress. When you’ve collected all ten stamps, you can claim your free completer certificate. (offsite link)

    Wisconsin Boyhood and Inventions

    Muir in Canada

    Muir in Yosemite

    Hetch Hetchy - Muir's Last Battle

    Alaska - Exploring Glaciers

    Botanical Studies

    Family and Ranch Life

    John Muir and Native Americans

    Global Travels

    John Muir Reminiscences

    by those who knew him

    Modern Essays About John Muir

    About Muir's Books and Articles

    Conservation Legacy

    Muir's Philosophy

    Articles from other Sources

    • John Muir Newsletter - University of the Pacific.
    • The View from John Muir's Window - Newsletter of the John Muir Memorial Association (off-site link)
    • Muir Laid to Rest Across the Bay - [Report of John Muir's Funeral] - San Francisco Chronicle - December 28, 1914
    • New York Times Obituary of John Muir - December 25, 1914 (reprint 2000)
    • (PDF)
    • John Muir and the Sierra Nevada – Creating an Icon of Conservation By Carl Zichella, Regional Director, Sierra Club, in Journal of the Sierra College Natural History Museum, Vol. 1, no. 2, Winter 2008.
      In this essay, Carl Zichella reflects on how the commanding words of John Muir and the monumental imagery of the Sierra Nevada changed his perspective and his life. Zichella also examines the ongoing significance of these dual icons—Muir and the Sierra Nevada—on our national and international perception of environmental protection and respect for wilderness.
    • Tracking John Muir to the Monkey Puzzle Forests of Chile by Bruce Byers (off-site link) - fascinating article and photos tracking Muir's visit to Chile in 2012.

    Digital Books or Book Chapters about John Muir

    Other Resources


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