A definitive biography traces the life of John Muir from his boyhood in Scotland up to his death on the eve of World War I and offers important insights into the passionate nature of America's first great conservationist and founder of the Sierra Club.

WINNER OF THE 2010 SCOTTISH MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST BOOK AWARD FOR BOOK OF THE YEAR.

Prologue: Muir's trail -- The Scottish lowlands -- "That glorious Wisconsin wilderness" -- Climbing the ice mountain -- Border crossings -- The long walk -- Paradise found -- The higher peaks -- Coming in from the cold -- The shores of Alaska -- Husbandry -- A call to lead -- The company of green men -- Earthquakes -- The troubled nature of wealth -- "Slight progress heavenward".