Olson is best known for his many essays that express the wonder, awe, and peace he found in the wilderness. Olson's popular books, including The Singing Wilderness, Listening Point, and Reflections from the North Country, are beloved by generations of readers, and frequently appeared on best-seller lists across the nation. The lyricism and evocative beauty of his prose became a model for nature writers like Barry Lopez and Annie Dillard. Olson was a recipient of the John Burroughs Medal, the highest honor in nature writing. A Wilderness Within looks beyond the environmental battles and books...

Sigurd Olson (1899-1982) was acknowledged during his lifetime as a leader of the American environmental movement, an emblematic figure for a generation of activists. A Wilderness Within is the award-winning biography of this writer, teacher, and activist who was a harbinger of the raising of America's ecological consciousness.

Sigurd F. Olson was the most beloved wilderness advocate of his generation. His renowned writings, including the nature classics The Singing Wilderness and Listening Point, evoke the singular beauty and richness of the northern woods and lakes and reveal a philosophy of preservation that is as eloquent and relevant today as when he first wrote. The wilderness was the spring of happiness in Olson's life, and he devoted himself to the pursuit of sharing this magic with others and ensuring its future existence.

Revealing Olson's understanding and love of wilderness, Spirit of the North gathers...