title: The Soul of Yosemite: Finding, Defending, and Saving the Valley's Sacred Wild Nature
author:  Barbara J. Moritsch 
description: <span>&quot;...why is development still calling the shots in Yosemite Valley rather than protection of the resource? </span><br> <span>The uniqueness of this book lies in exploring that question by taking us behind the scenes...All of it makes for a riveting, if troubling, read.&quot;</span><br> <span>Alfred Runte, Author of National Parks: The American Experience (Reviewed for National Parks Traveler, April 9, 2012)</span><br /><br /><span>&quot;I hope that her suggestions for bringing the park back to what it should be, a sanctuary of wild nature, will happen. This book should be read by anyone who loves our national parks and assumes that they are still being cared for as treasures of natural beauty instead of money making opportunities.&quot;</span><br> <span>Sandra Scott, Author of His Red Journal: Finding My Father</span><span></span><br /><br /><span>"The Soul of Yosemite" may be the most important book about preserving Yosemite since John Muir died 99 years ago. Barbara Moritsch has become an incarnation of the spirit of John Muir, pleading for a rational approach to restoring the physical, mental and spiritual health of his beloved cathedral.&quot;</span><br> <span>Lowell H. Young, Author of Biodesign Out for A Walk</span><span></span><br /><br /><span>...the beauty and nature that the author seeks to protect and defend are so well-defined and described. </span><span>Something that worked really well was the language the author used, elegant even when used to describe something as simple as conversation reminiscing about a camping trip. </span><span>Good work! I really enjoyed your passionate voice for the wilderness. It presents the central conundrum of the wilderness, that its appeal to modern Americans is what has led to its preservation, but that same appeal is drawing the wilderness to the brink.</span><b><span>Judge, 22nd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards</span></b>
zlib_text: ![](images/00001.jpg)
  
  
  ##### www.blackmask.com
  
  * * *
  
  The Yosemite
  
  
  [Acknowledgment](The%20Yosemite_split_001.html#filepos5139)
  
  [Chapter 1. The Approach to the
  Valley](The%20Yosemite_split_001.html#filepos5589)
  
  [Chapter 2. Winter Storms and Spring
  Floods](The%20Yosemite_split_001.html#filepos71200)
  
  [Chapter 3. Snow-Storms](The%20Yosemite_split_001.html#filepos84496)
  
  [Chapter 4. Snow Banners](The%20Yosemite_split_001.html#filepos95882)
  
  [Chapter 5. The Trees of the
  Valley](The%20Yosemite_split_001.html#filepos119831)
  
  [Chapter 6. The Forest Trees in
  General](The%20Yosemite_split_001.html#filepos127025)
  
  [Chapter 7. The Big Trees](The%20Yosemite_split_001.html#filepos173773)
  
  [Chapter 8. The Flowers](The%20Yosemite_split_001.html#filepos203466)
  
  [Chapter 9. The Birds](The%20Yosemite_split_002.html#filepos216775)
  
  [Chapter 10. The South Dome](The%20Yosemite_split_002.html#filepos227189)
  
  [Chapter 11. The Ancient Yosemite Glaciers: How the
  
  
  Valley Was Formed
  
  [Chapter 12. How Best 