Rarely does a book by a national leader live up to its promise. Protecting Western Landscapes: Wonderful Places in the West that Conservationists Have Worked to Protect, written by former long-time Sierra Club Executive Director Michael McCloskey, exceeds its promise. The book tells the story of the fights to save different wildernesses and other natural areas that make up so much of the American natural heritage. The author introduces the reader to little-known heroes such as William G. Steel, who almost single-handedly led to the creation of Crater Lake National Park. The book also tells stories that start off sadder, such as Californians' initial reaction to the destruction of much of the state's giant sequoias.

This well-written book moves briskly from one battle to save this heritage to another. It is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental history. Any reader of the book will be well-rewarded.

Gregg Coodley

author of the Green Years 1964-1976