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iv, 296 pp. (8vo) original blind-stamped sand-colored cloth, spine lettered in gilt. First Edition.

A sentimental and melodramatic novel which provided an authentic portrayal of John Muir. According to Powell (1971), p. 148: "The oddest book in the literature of these mountains and John Muir is a novel written by a wandering English noblewoman ... She arrived in the Valley soon after Muir did, and proceeded to fall in love with him. At that stage of his life, Muir's love of nature did not include women he was in his forties before he married and fathered two daughters. Unrequited love led the ardent woman to make Muir the hero of Zanita ... Currey & Kruska 399; Farquhar 11; Cowan p. 699.

This rare book can be read today, when found, only by the most ardent Muiriac." Therese Yelverton (Lady Avonmore) was in Yosemite Valley from June through November 1870. During her stay she was often in the company of Muir, who acted as her guide. Because she possessed a natural gift for reporting, her book provided an accurate record of Muir's philosophy at that time. Many of the novel's scenic descriptions were copied from Muir's journals.