Dayton Duncan

One would think that almost everyone would be in support of protecting our country's beautiful places, but this book highlights how much of a struggle it was and continues to be. The book was especially insightful because of the amount of quotes and personal interviews throughout, weaving into the story of the parks over the years. It was a long audiobook and took a lot of listening to get through, especially because of how broken up the story is. But this didn't detract from my enjoyment. I can't wait for my next trip to a national park to follow in the footsteps of John Muir, Stephen Mather, and George Wright.… (more)

Do you have to destroy the things you love?

George Horse Capture Jr. quoted in Blood Memory
When I was a girl in the 50s the Indian head nickel (1913-1938) with the buffalo on the back was still circulating. The model for the buffalo was caged in New York City’s Central Park Menagerie. His name was Black Diamond. No one wanted his care, and he slaughtered for meat.

In a nutshell, Black Diamond’s story reflects the story of America’s interaction with the buffalo: holding them as iconic and representational of America while slaughtering them for profit.

Millions of these beasts were killed in a few decades for quick money and the thrill of killing. Europeans thought in terms of profit and money, not sustainability. The Native Americans knew the value of the buffalo. Today we understand the prairie ecosystem and the buffalo’s central role in it. But did we really learn anything? We still take and use and destroy and then grouse when it’s gone.

From the start there were a few who wanted to protect and preserve the buffalo. Some tried to interbreed them with cattle. Small herds were kept on ranches. One man gave a buffalo to the natives so they could have their Sun Dance. But mostly, people came from far and near to kill them. Some took the hides which were a hot commodity for a while. Some just wanted to kill a huge animal. Some wanted to replace them with cattle, some wanted to destroy the native way of life so they would become farmers.

And then they were gone, but for a few. People banded together and created a society and preserves. The buffalo have survived, but diminished, no longer roaming across the wide prairies.

This companion book to Ken Burn’s documentary series “Blood Memory” includes 217 color photographs. Drayton Duncan’s text is heartfelt and informative, damning and hopeful. If you loved the series, read it. (I read it first, and plan now to watch the series.) Put it on your list for Christmas giving.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book.

People–nations–can make grievous mistakes. They’re also capable of learning from those mistakes, of acknowledging them and then deciding to fo in a different direction.

Dayton Duncan in Blood Memory… (more)

I don’t recall how this book got on my radar, but I’m grateful it did. I love nature and National Parks are the embodiment of preserving our magnificent pieces of land and monuments. Listening to the audiobook, I quickly learned that this book is a physical companion to a 12-hour PBS series by the authors, Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns. Streaming and viewing information can be found here. Below is a YouTube video trailer of the film series. (Please see link to my blog at the bottom of this review, where you can access the links and videos mentioned.)

Don’t be misled, this book is not a guide to the National Parks. It’s a history of the establishment of the park system, dating back to the late 1800’s. Let me be clear, it’s a fascinating history with many famous people at the forefront. For instance, the book opens with vivid descriptions of the beauty of Yosemite and the influence of Jon Muir. I am familiar with Jon Muir’s efforts and meaningful quotes, so it was a pleasure to learn more about his life. It also motivates me to want to learn more about him. (I’m sure I have more books on the subject in my libraries and wish lists.)

The authors detail how Yellowstone became the first National Park. From there, the stories flooded in about Mt. Rainier, Mt. Rushmore, and the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings. I learned that Jon Muir spontaneously climbed Mt. Rainier. Amazing! I must put together considerable preparation to take a long hike in Sedona, so I can’t imagine randomly climbing a mountain! It was fascinating to learn how the park system was developed. It never occurred to me that the act of preservation came before any structure was developed. Several parks were established well before Congress enacted any laws or policies. The creation of Park Rangers was established later in the process too. Guest accommodations never seemed to be a priority. I get it, when trying to preserve land, the last thing we need is construction to destroy said land.

I enjoyed learning about the development of the Audubon Society. It was a pleasure learning about the influence of Ansel Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, the Rockefeller family, Stanley Steamer (Rocky Mountains), and Mark Twain (Haleakala in Hawaii).

Listening to this audiobook stirred up so many memories and gave me feelings of pure nostalgia. I hadn’t realized how prevalent our National Parks truly are and how many I have visited. My visits began in childhood on those memorable family vacations. As an adult, I continue to treasure my time in any National Park or Monument. Maybe those early vacations planted a seed that keeps my craving for nature well alive. I am grateful for this book, not only for its education, but also for all of those heartfelt experiences I had forgotten.

I borrowed this audiobook from my local library with the Libby App. I enjoyed the narration by Ken Burns.

I thought I would close this book review with a few pictures of some of my favorite destinations. (Again, please see link to my blog below for pictures.)

Lastly, for anyone who appreciates art, my husband is a painter and has created some amazing oil paintings of a couple of National Parks, Cape Hatteras lighthouse in the Outer Banks, North Carolina and Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona. You’re welcome to explore his website for more information. (Last time, please see link to my blog below for access to the paintings.)

I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog… (more)

From Frederick Jackson Turner's 1893 declaration that the American frontier had closed to the reality of frontier life in 1993, Dayton Duncan does an admirable job at investigating and relating the stories of life away from everything over the past century.

No earth-shattering lessons here, just good Paul Harvey-quality stories of the people who lived far, far outside the urban and suburban American mainstream.

Worth your time to learn something new about the hardiness of those who settled (and continue to live in) the American West.… (more)