National Geographic The National Parks: An Illustrated History [Hardcover]

An inspired tribute to the astonishing beauty and priceless cultural treasures of America's National Parks, this volume is a lavish celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Showcasing the very best of National Geographic's photographs, combined with an expertly told history: from the multi-hued layers of the Grand Canyon to the verdigris flame of the Statue of Liberty, this book presents a breathtaking panorama of the National Parks.  
 
With the stories behind the first female park ranger, a decidedly amateur scuba expedition that unearthed a submerged Civil War treasure trove, and so much more, Heacox takes readers on a VIP tour of America's rich natural and cultural heritage. The full sweep of wonders—from pristine coral reefs to the Gettysburg battlefield to glaciers and all the glorious diversity in between—offers a breathtaking tour of the very best of America's national treasures. Through iconic National Geographic images and an illuminating collection of stories and personalities, the book offers a portrait of diverse National Park Service properties while presenting a colorful history of the service and its century of notable accomplishments. Heacox weaves a mesmerizing tale filled with fascinating stories, such as the first female park ranger, an amateur scuba expedition that unearthed a Civil War treasure trove, and much more. Coupling these stories with breathtaking photographs of glorious glaciers, pristine coral reefs, towering forests and all of the beautiful scenery in between, Heacox provides readers with a vivid panorama of the national parks, monuments, battlefields, historic sites, shores and recreation areas preserved over a century of dedicated conservation. --Examiner.comKIM HEACOX has written a dozen books, five for National Geographic on biography, history and wildlands conservation. His most recent books (four published in a 20-month period) are a biography,John MlC$