Katahdin: An Historic Journey – Legends, Exploration, and Preservation of Maine's Highest Peak

Description

For millennia, Mount Katahdin has loomed over the changing landscape we now
call Maine’s North Woods, inspiring and challenging people, from the Native
Americans whose trade routes rounded its base; to Henry David Thoreau and
Governor Percival P. Baxter, who forged new approaches to nature and
conservation; to the hundreds of outdoorspeople who enjoy its trails and
waterways each year. Superbly researched and written, this new book by Maine
historian John Neff draws together rare sources and takes readers on a journey
through the mountain’s history, legend, and legacy. The narrative retraces the
steps of Native Americans, whose spiritual approach to the mountain still
resonates today; recounts colonials’ first glimpses of the dramatic mountain;
and accompanies Thoreau as he soaks up the landscape’s majesty. Neff’s
analysis of the region’s development through the advent of railroading and
logging, sporting, and trailbuilding illustrates the history of its pathways,
including the Appalachian Trail. The voices of today’s Native American,
conservation, and community members infuse this historical narrative with the
life of the people who are intricately connected with the mountain. Neff, an
authority on Baxter State Park, gives the reader a unique perspective on
Baxter’s legacy of protection and conservation. He also explores the
mountain’s more sinister legacy–that of misadventure and tragedy in the
wilderness. Neff’s compelling narrative bridges the mountain’s past and
today’s continuing opportunities for conservation and recreation in Maine’s
spectacular North Woods–a story that will fascinate historians, outdoor
enthusiasts, and armchair adventurers alike. Read more

Features:

Product Details:

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Appalachian Mountain Club Books; First Edition (June 1, 2006)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1929173628
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 24
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.32 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.2 x 1.03 x 9.02 inches
• Best Sellers Rank: #139,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #17 in Mountain Ecology #97 in New England US Travel Books #1,594 in U.S. State & Local History
• #17 in Mountain Ecology
• #97 in New England US Travel Books