A Private Wilderness: The Journals of Sigurd F Olson (Book Launch)

Join Friends of the Boundary Waters and David Backes, editor of "A Private Wilderness: The Journals of Sigurd F. Olson" for a special book launch event. Doug Wood will interview David about the book and the impact that Sigurd Olson's work has had on the fight for wilderness. About the book: The personal diaries of one of America’s best-loved naturalists, revealing his difficult and inspiring path to finding his voice and becoming a writer. Written mostly during the years from 1930 to 1941, Sigurd F. Olson’s journals describe the dreams and frustrations of an aspiring writer honing his skills, pursuing recognition, and facing doubt. Author of Olson’s definitive biography, editor David Backes brings a deep knowledge of the writer to these journals, providing critical context, commentary, and insights along the way. About the author, editor, and interviewer: Sigurd F. Olson introduced generations of Americans to the importance of wilderness. He served as president of the Wilderness Society and the National Parks Association and as a consultant to the federal government on wilderness preservation. He earned many honors, including the highest possible awards from the Sierra Club, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Izaak Walton League. The first of his many influential books was The Singing Wilderness (1956; reprint available from Minnesota). David Backes is author of A Wilderness Within: The Life of Sigurd F. Olson and editor of Olson’s The Meaning of Wilderness: Essential Articles and Speeches. In 2015 he retired as professor of journalism and mass communication at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Douglas Wood has written many books, including the best-selling Old Turtle, Grandad’s Prayers of the Earth, Paddle Whispers, and Deep Woods, Wild Waters. He has been honored with the American Booksellers Book of the Year Award, The Christopher Medal, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Association for Environmental Education.