With the telling of the story of conservationist John Muir, American Masters has crafted another fascinating story about an incredible life. Muir emigrated from Scotland to Wisconsin in the mid 19th century. Without any formal education, he was able to break free from his life on the farm, educate himself, and enroll in college. A gifted engineer, he decided to break free from that life as well and pursue his dreams studying while living amongst the American landscape. Exploring the country on foot from coast to coast, Muir filled journals (which are eloquent and read aloud here) and novels with his explorations. His work would lead to the first conservationist movement in the country and the creation of the National Park System, beginning with the preservation of Yosemite National Park. Muir's story is told through pictures, recreations, narration, expert interviews, and the use of his own words. I would not call it well written as the narration often comes off as choppy, but still this is an engrossing story about a man who marched to his own drumbeat and was able to create awareness about our country's beauty.
