John Burroughs 
In the Catskills: Selections from the Writings of John Burroughs 

In ‘In the Catskills: Selections from the Writings of John Burroughs’, readers will find a collection of essays and observations on nature and the outdoors in the Catskill Mountains. Burroughs’ prose is lyrical and vivid, capturing the beauty of the natural world with a keen eye for detail. His writings reflect the transcendentalist movement of the late 19th century, emphasizing the connection between humanity and the environment. Readers will be transported to the serene wilderness of the Catskills through Burroughs’ evocative descriptions and deep appreciation for the natural world. John Burroughs, a renowned naturalist and essayist, was deeply inspired by the landscapes of the Catskill Mountains. His observations on nature were shaped by his close relationship with iconic figures such as Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Burroughs’ writings continue to influence environmental literature and the conservation movement. I highly recommend ‘In the Catskills’ to readers who appreciate lyrical nature writing and want to escape into the serene landscapes of the Catskill Mountains through the eyes of a masterful observer like John Burroughs.

About the author

John Burroughs (1837–1921) remains a central figure in American literature, bridging the gap between scientific observation and poetic spirit. His prose has persistently enchanted readers with its combination of precise detail and reflective musings. Born on a farm in the Catskills region, upstate New York, Burroughs developed a profound affinity with nature that became the backbone of his work. ‘In the Catskills: Selections from the Writings of John Burroughs’ showcases the author’s deep connection with the natural world and reflects his role as a pivotal nature essayist, influencing the likes of John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt. Burroughs’ literary output, which includes over twenty-five volumes, gracefully navigates topics from bird watching and rambling walks to the philosophy of nature, all penned in a style that is both accessible and meditative. His work is often characterized by a sense of wonder and a pensive, elegiac quality, capturing the beauty and subtlety of the American landscape. Burroughs has been hailed as a forerunner to the conservation movement, and his essays do more than depict scenes; they advocate for an ethical and empathetic approach to the natural world. His writing not only documents the changing environment of a rapidly industrializing America but also champions the intrinsic value of wilderness.