Description
Book SynopsisPaul Schullery and Lee Whittlesey, both longtime students of Yellowstone National Park's complex history, present the first full account of how the fairy-tale origins of the park found universal public acceptance, and of the long process by which the myth was reconsidered and replaced with a more realistic and ultimately more satisfying story.
Trade Review“A gem. . . . One can only hope that this entertaining volume, which is as much mystery as history, will be widely read, enlightening us about both the park and the pitfalls of myths.”—Robert W. Righter,
South Dakota History"The discussion concerning the place of myths, legends, and solid history is thought provoking. For history graduate students it is a case study in how bureaucracy can change over a generation or two, how myths can begin, and how difficult it can be to destroy them."—Richard A. Bartlett,
Oregon Historical Quarterly“This book is valuable because it offers a complex vision of the origins of the national park ideal rather than a simple campfire story, and it is accessible to general readers. It is also an interesting tale of the use, and possible misuse, of history.”—Kathy S. Mason,
Register of the Kentucky Historical Society“A productive and provocative exploration of the connections among national institutions, evolving ideologies, and the symbolic power of stories. It has much to offer to those interested in the social, cultural, and scientific issues that constitute environmental studies today.”—Robert E. Walls,
Journal of American Folklore“A fascinating, courageous, and curious little book.”—
Outdoor News Bulletin“The book should appeal to serious students of Western history and the conservation movement as well as those more philosophically inclined.”—Mark Hertig,
Nebraska HistoryTable of ContentsList of IllustrationsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. In Camp That Night2. A Rather Unusual Discussion3. On the Documentary Trail from Madison Junction4. Coming to Terms with Nathaniel Langford5. Altruists and Realists6. Spreading the Word7. The Debate8. It Came Out All Right!9. Leaving It All Behind10. Myth and ResponsibilityConclusion: Campfire LessonsAppendix: Known and Reported Accounts of the Washburn ExpeditionNotesIndex
