The National Parks ─ An American Legacy: Celebrating 100 Years of the National Park Service

From the cascading waterfalls of Yosemite to the unique geothermal features of Yellowstone, the U.S. national parks are among the most breathtaking destinations in the world. Founded to preserve such natural beauty for posterity, the national parks represent one of America’s crowning achievements and international treasures.

The National Parks: An American Legacy tells the story of the parks through the photography of Ian Shive, as well as through poignant essays by notable naturalists, scientists, explorers, and artists. Timed to coincide with the celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the National Park Service, this lavish volume reveals the grandeur and history of the parks and looks toward what the next 100 years will bring.

With more than 300 never-before-seen images of all 58 of the fully fledged national parks including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon as well as images from many of the 340-plus national park units, this striking collection is comprehensive and inspiring.The National Parks: An American Legacy reveals the way humankind interacts with the parks, and how the story of the national parks is also a tribute to the people who visit, explore, and tirelessly work to preserve these cherished American landscapes.

Ian Shive is an award-winning conservation photographer, author, educator, film producer, and environmental advocate, most recently recognized as the recipient of the Sierra Club’s 2011 Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography. Shive’s images have appeared in publications around the world, including National Geographic, Time, Ski, Travel Channel, Gourmet, The New York Times, theLos Angeles Times, US News and World Report, Popular Science, Men’s Journal, Outside, and hundreds of others. Often referred to as the leading chronicler of America’s national parks today, Shive has helped shape diplomacy efforts around the world through his Wilderness Diplomacy initiative, currently underway in Afghanistan, and his best-selling book,The National Parks: Our American Landscape. He lives in Los Angeles.