A former Yellowstone tour guide himself, Lee Whittlesey has written a book that every guide studies in Death in Yellowstone. While guides may wish to discuss the role of wolves or forest fires in a wilderness ecosystem, their passengers too often just want stories of the misfortune of their fellow travelers--and this is the seminal work on the subject.
Behind the gripping adventure, drama, and heartbreak of the stories told in this uniquely authoritative book are deep lessons--not only in personal responsibility but in the role of national parks in our society. Lee Whittlesey's compelling study of Yellowstone fatalities wisely reminds us of both the price and the pricelessness of protecting wild nature.
It is hard to imagine anyone but Lee Whittlesey recounting these stories of death in Yellowstone. He is unquestionably the Yellowstone expert for ferreting out and weaving together the details of how visitors and personnel met their untimely ends in and around the park. The sheer weight of new material added to bring this second edition up-to-date is a clear indication that the Yellowstone landscape continues to demand both our awe and our respect. But it is Whittlesey's personal perspective that sets this book apart. His passion for historical detective work combined with his intimate knowledge of both the park and the park experience give the reader a very real glimpse into the author's long relationship with the place and its people, endearing the reader to both.
PRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION
. . . One thing is certain: it is the most fascinating book ever written about Yellowstone Park and its environs.
PRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION
A little morbid, but strangely fascinating.
Whittlesey's already gripping account of accidents and foolhardiness in Yellowstone is now updated, more comprehensive, and all the more fascinating.