Yosemite National Park (Photo via CC. Credit: Heiko von Raußendorff)
The world groaned a collective sigh of disapproval when it was announced last year that our beloved National Geographic was going to be subsumed by the Fox-tainted grubbiness of Rupert Murdoch’s empire. Hearing such calumny was like being told that Sir David Attenborough was retraining as a mime artist – first of all it feels a bit weird and then it’s just super depressing.
It’s all TV nowadays, with even the head of programming at Nat Geo saying there’s “just no need” for those endlessly reassuring yellow-rimmed magazines that we all grew up with.
So. That sucks.
However, there are some glimmers of NG hope, and some of their publications are still as welcome as a sane guest on the Sean Hannity show.
The National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States is one such delight. Now on its 8th edition, this million-copy-selling guide book hits the shelves just in time for the centenary year of the National Parks Service. Yes, that’s 100 years of helping us, the curious-but-not-always-sure-where-we’re-going public, see the natural glory of these jewels in America’s crown. Yes, I realise it’s a Republic. Whatever Republics wear on their heads, then.
Divided into eight geographic regions, the guide brings the colours, sites, wildlife and adventure of the parks to life. There’s spectacular photography, real in-depth detail about how you can go and explore them and a wealth of information for lovers of flora, fauna, and everything in between. Fluna? Whatever.
A team of park experts have brought their knowledge to bear, so that over breakfast, you can hike the Rocky Mountains, kayak across crater lakes and look out over volcanoes. Which isn’t a bad way to start the day, though it may make the laundry and grocery shopping feel extra mundane.
There’s just something so refreshing and optimistic about the National Parks, like even a Trump presidency couldn’t tarnish their outstanding beauty, let alone Murdoch’s craven mitts.
Bask in the glory of these pages, and plan your escape. Oh, and if you’re travelling with children, a handy National Geographic Kids Guide has come out at the same time to complement the grown-up book, and it’s an equally handsome publication.
An singular treat for both armchair and actual adventurers.
The National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States is published by National Geographic and priced at $28.00. National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide U.S.A. is also published by National Geographic and is priced $14.99.
It’s all TV nowadays, with even the head of programming at Nat Geo saying there’s “just no need” for those endlessly reassuring yellow-rimmed magazines that we all grew up with.
So. That sucks.
However, there are some glimmers of NG hope, and some of their publications are still as welcome as a sane guest on the Sean Hannity show.
The National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States is one such delight. Now on its 8th edition, this million-copy-selling guide book hits the shelves just in time for the centenary year of the National Parks Service. Yes, that’s 100 years of helping us, the curious-but-not-always-sure-where-we’re-going public, see the natural glory of these jewels in America’s crown. Yes, I realise it’s a Republic. Whatever Republics wear on their heads, then.
Divided into eight geographic regions, the guide brings the colours, sites, wildlife and adventure of the parks to life. There’s spectacular photography, real in-depth detail about how you can go and explore them and a wealth of information for lovers of flora, fauna, and everything in between. Fluna? Whatever.
A team of park experts have brought their knowledge to bear, so that over breakfast, you can hike the Rocky Mountains, kayak across crater lakes and look out over volcanoes. Which isn’t a bad way to start the day, though it may make the laundry and grocery shopping feel extra mundane.
There’s just something so refreshing and optimistic about the National Parks, like even a Trump presidency couldn’t tarnish their outstanding beauty, let alone Murdoch’s craven mitts.
Bask in the glory of these pages, and plan your escape. Oh, and if you’re travelling with children, a handy National Geographic Kids Guide has come out at the same time to complement the grown-up book, and it’s an equally handsome publication.
An singular treat for both armchair and actual adventurers.
The National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States is published by National Geographic and priced at $28.00. National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide U.S.A. is also published by National Geographic and is priced $14.99.
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