Offered is a 1981 edition of Shirley Sargent's book GALEN CLARK: YOSEMITE GUARDIAN; this is a paperback copy. This edition was a follow-up to the original 1964 book, and reflects further data available to the author. 88 pages, measuring 8 1/2" x 11", illustratrations are mostly black and white photos.

Yosemite was granted to the State of California on June 30, 1864 by the Federal Government with the stipulation that the State appoint a commission to oversee the Grant. Galen Clark was one of the first commissioners. After the State accepted the Grant in April, 1866, Galen was appointed the Grant's first "Guardian," in effect, California's first State Park Ranger, decades before there were National Park Rangers. In the first report given in 1866 by Fredrick Law Olmstead, Galen was breaking new ground in becoming the first person to oversee and protect such a large natural area. Shirley Sargent tells how Galen had to overcome many obstacles, remaining dedicated to the preservation of Yosemite and the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees. He was well-liked, but had little or no financial support, not even a salary during the first half of his tenure. Later he was brought back to serve again at 75 years of age, with a salary, after succeeding guardians were found to not have the park's best interests at heart. He was tireless, diplomatic, kind and rarely looked for attention. The best kind of public servant, working to preserve his love while given few resources to work with, Clark was loved and respected by many at the time; today, aside from a mountain named after him, few know he existed.

This book is in fine condition, I was tempted to list its condition as "like new." There is VERY light shelf wear on the cover, the binding is tight and pages and images very clean. There is a price sticker on the back cover, and tucked inside is a receipt from the Yosemite Lodge Indian Store.

Let me know if you have any questions, particularly before making an offer. Thanks for considering this book!