Brenau University will offer a free presentation by John Muir biographer James Hunt as part of the ongoing “Sense and Sustainability” lecture series at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, in Thurmond McRae Auditorium.
Although Muir was best known for his work out West in what is now Muir Woods National Monument and Yosemite National Park, the author’s book, “Restless Fires,” chronicles the 19th century conservationist’s 1,000-mile trek from Louisville, Ken., to Cedar Key, Fla., from 1867-68.
“John Muir is one of the most important naturalists and documentary writers of in American history,” said Dr. Rudi Kiefer, the Brenau professor who hosts the lecture series. “Hunt does a remarkable job in his book of illustrating Muir’s thoughts and adventures during that famous walk to the gulf coast. The book will keep readers spellbound with its blend of philosophical reflection by Muir, his periods of exhaustion and exhilaration, hunger, illness, and ultimately, his sense of victory.”
Ronald C. White Jr., author of “A. Lincoln: A Biography,” also praised Hunt’s book, stating that “readers will walk with John Muir through the post-Civil War South as the wandering young botanist discovers his vocation as America’s great environmental pioneer.”
Hunt, a professor emeritus at Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash., has taught American, Latin American and world history, directed travel experiences for students spending five months in Central America, and managed Whitworth University’s study/service program.
The lecture program will also include recognition of the late John Jacobs Jr., a media pioneer and long-time Brenau trustee. John Jacobs IV, grandson of the Gainesville and Hall County businessman, will accept the recognition on behalf of the Jacobs family.
For more information, contact Kiefer at rkiefer@brenau.edu.