audiobook Grandfather Mountain: The History and Guide to an Appalachian Icon by Randy Johnson in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Winning; impeccably researched; a story equal to its subjectBy Mike HealeyGrandfather Mountain ─ formed by a collision of continents 300 million years ago; located in the High Country corner of northwestern North Carolina; and with an elevation of 5;946 feet and a sprawling footprint that covers 50 square miles of southern Appalachian lowlands ─ is an epic mountain. As author Randy Johnson relates in his winning; impeccably researched; and richly illustrated Grandfather Mountain: The History and Guide to an Appalachian Icon (The University of North Carolina Press; 2016); it has evoked awe for centuries.In 1794; the French botanist André Michaux (1746-1802) sang “La Marseillaise” when he reached the top. In 1898; America’s most famous naturalist; John Muir (1838-1914); had a mystical moment when he reached its highest crag: “I couldn’t hold it in; and began to jump about and sing and glory in it all.” A snow squall in September 1913 caused two expert hikers; Donald Beeson and friend Charles Mathes; to tuck into a cave as they climbed Grandfather’s Attic Window Peak. “With the weather ‘blowing a hurricane’ and a fire blazing ‘in front of the cave mouth;’ Beeson wrote; ‘I doubt if I have ever enjoyed a supper more.’”A “love letter” to Johnson’s favorite mountain; the book actually is four or five books in one. In all; it tells a story equal to its subject.It’s an appreciation of a geological marvel that The Nature Conservancy calls an “ecological site of global significance.” Located “where the southernmost part of the North meets the northernmost part of the South;” Johnson writes; Grandfather is “a sweet spot of biodiversity” with 16 separate ecosystems that are home to 73 species of rare or endangered plants and animals.The book traces Grandfather’s transition from private ownership in the 20th century to preservation as public land in the 21st; making it a study of contemporary conservation and a reassuring one at that. It’s a vibrant history of the backcountry of southern Appalachia and of the United States. And it’s a practical guide to hiking and photographing Grandfather. In this capacity; Johnson’s expertise shines: he devised a hiker fee-funded; safety registration program to keep Grandfather’s trails open in the 1970s; helped build the trail network in place today on the mountain and Blue Ridge Parkway; and has written several Falcon Guides including a bestseller on hiking North Carolina.The book’s 35 sidebars add breadth and depth. Topics are as varied as the Civil War (Grandfather was a haven for local soldiers who’d deserted the Confederacy and also had its share of Union sympathizers); the Highland Games; which have been held on the mountain since 1956 (North Carolina’s Scots and Scots-Irish ancestry is among the country’s highest); and the back story of the engineering and building of the Linn Cove Viaduct; an astounding almost quarter-mile length of the Blue Ridge Parkway that floats through thin air.Johnson’s firsthand knowledge and warm; understated writing win the reader’s confidence. Like the botanist Michaux; like John Muir; Johnson is very much in awe of Grandfather Mountain. It shows on every page. At one point he says a “massive mountain helps make a massive impression.” His book does the same to the reader.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A gem of a book!By UberdocThis book is a superb reference to the history of Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding area. Mr. Johnson is an expert on the history of the mountain and the area; and his love and respect for the uniqueness of Grandfather Mountain and its ecology clearly shows throughout the book. This book is a great addition to the library of anyone interested in the history of Appalachia; who lives in the area; or who loves Grandfather Mountain.The book is well written and a joy to read. The photographs and illustrations are excellent and very helpful overall. There were only a few minor confusing photographs: On the photograph on page 7 - I'm sorry; but I just don't see the Face of Grandfather Mountain there. Perhaps a different picture would illustrate this better? On the photo on page 16; I guess the upper photo is showing what the swinging bridge site looked like before the bridge was there; but I had difficulty seeing where the bridge was later placed. I take it it was across the deepest hump in the ridge?Overall; the is a gem of a book. The history of the area and its colorful cast of characters and personalities that played a role in the discovery; settlement and coming of age of Grandfather Mountain is thoroughly covered. The final two chapters on hiking and photographing the Mountain are an added bonus.Highly recommended!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A beautiful love story between a mountain and the men who ...By Susan T. StatonA beautiful love story between a mountain and the men who have explored and preserved it. Fascinating history told through stories and spectacular photographs. This book will make everyone who reads it want to meet "the Grandfather" in the North Carolina high country.