Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series: The Complete Nature Collection & Book List

Hi there, fellow nature lovers! I’m so excited to share with you another favorite book collection—the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series (also known as the Gibbs Smith Nature Collection). As someone who finds solace and inspiration in nature and literature, this collection has been a constant source of wonder and adventure for me. Whether you’re a beginner collector or a seasoned bibliophile, this guide will help you explore every book in this series, along with my personal recommendations and tips on how to get the most out of your collection.

Natural History Essays by Henry David Thoreau

Celebrate the tradition of literary naturalists and writers who embrace the natural world as the setting for some of our most euphoric and serious experiences. These books map the intimate connections between the human and the natural world. Literary naturalists transcend political boundaries, social concerns, and historical milieus; they speak for what Henry Beston called the “other nations” of the planet. Their message acquires more weight and urgency as wild places become increasingly scarce.

You can get a copy of Natural History Essays by Henry David Thoreau, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

Wilderness Essays by John Muir

Part of John Muir’s appeal to modern readers is that he not only explored the American West and wrote about its beauties but also fought for their preservation. His successes dot the landscape and are evident in all the natural features that bear his name: forests, lakes, trails, and glaciers. Here collected are some of Muir’s finest wilderness essays, ranging in subject matter from Alaska to Yellowstone, from Oregon to the High Sierra.

You can get a copy of Wilderness Essays by John Muir, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

Travels in Alaska by John Muir

Travels in Alaska, originally published in 1915, John Muir captures the beauty and intensity of Alaskan wilderness and its people from his travels between 1879 and 1890. John Muir’s strength lies in delicately mapping the intimate connection between the person and natural world, and awakening his readers to that reality.

You can get a copy of Travels in Alaska by John Muir, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

First published as a serial in the Saturday Evening Post in 1903, The Call of the Wild has never been out of print. Follow a dog named Buck through violence and hardship, loyalty and loss, finally finding himself and his home in the Yukon wilderness. Truly a must-have for London fans, book lovers, and adventurers.

You can get a copy of The Call of the Wild by Jack London, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

Walden by Henry David Thoreau

Experience a year in the life of Thoreau at Walden Pond in this classic work. Visit the bean-field, the village, and the ponds; learn about our brute neighbors, the higher laws of nature and humankind, and the benefits of reading and solitude.

You can get a copy of Walden by Henry David Thoreau, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

Leaves of Grass, published in 1855 and featuring poems like “Oh Captain! My Captain!” and “Song of Myself,” received mixed reviews but established Walt Whitman as a significant figure in literature. Whitman’s work, known for its inclusivity of various social classes and professions, faced controversy and bans but also admiration from literary icons like Emerson and Thoreau. With current heightened discussions on politics, race, class, and sexuality, Whitman’s themes in Leaves of Grass are arguably more relevant today than ever.

You can get a copy of Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

Roughing It by Mark Twain

Part fact, part fiction, Mark Twain’s Roughing It takes readers on a high-spirited journey from Missouri to Nevada, California to Hawaii. Travel via stagecoach through woods, plains, hills, and gorges, as Twain spins yarn after yarn on the people he meets, and the towns they explore. Originally published in 1872, this semi-autobiographical semi-prequel to Innocents Abroad satirizes American and Western society in a way that only Mark Twain knows how.

You can get a copy of Roughing It by Mark Twain, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

Canoeing in the Wilderness by Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau paints the woods and waterways of Maine with the same loving hand that described his Walden home, and entertains with the successes and difficulties of the trip and the quirks of his companion and their guide, Joseph Polis, told with a wit and insight that can only be found in Thoreau.

You can get a copy of Good Material by Dolly Alderton, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

My First Summer in the Sierra by John Muir

Considered one of the patron saints of twentieth-century environmental activity, John Muir’s appeal to modern readers is that he not only explored the American West but also fought for its preservation. My First Summer in the Sierra is Muir’s account of his adventures and observations while working as a shepherd in the Yosemite Valley, which later became Yosemite National Park as a direct result of Muir’s writings and activism. Muir’s heartfelt and often humorous descriptions of his first summer spent in the Sierra will captivate and inspire long-time fans and novice naturalists alike.

You can get a copy of My First Summer in the Sierra by John Muir, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

Our National Parks by John Muir

John Muir’s “Our National Parks,” emphasizes the importance of wilderness for both practical and spiritual reasons. Highlighting his experiences in Yosemite, Yellowstone, and other Western reserves, Muir’s work combines keen observations with warmth and humor, advocating passionately for the preservation of these natural spaces. His message underlines that wild areas are vital for life, encouraging readers to explore and cherish America’s National Parks.

You can get a copy of Our National Parks by John Muir, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

The Grand Canyon Expedition by John Wesley Powell

Experience the awe and beauty of the Grand Canyon National Park with a grand expedition following John Wesley Powell’s historic journey. Explore one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World through Powell’s vivid accounts of the landscape, wildlife, geography, and encounters with native groups. 

You can get a copy of The Grand Canyon Expedition by John Wesley Powell, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

Nature and Other Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nature and Other Essays showcases a pivotal collection by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a leading figure in American transcendentalism. It features seminal works like “Nature,” which emphasizes the importance of understanding nature to grasp concepts of God and reality, setting the foundation for transcendentalist thought. This collection, including essays from 1836 and Emerson’s first series in 1841, explores themes of self-reliance, love, and the connection with the natural world.

You can get a copy of Nature and Other Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

Wild Animals I Have Known by Ernest Thompson Seton

Ernest Thompson Seton’s Wild Animals I Have Known (1898) marks a pivotal shift in wildlife fiction, introducing readers to individualized, emotive animal characters, particularly through the story of Lobo the wolf. This work not only transformed Seton into a committed wildlife advocate but also significantly contributed to the early conservationist movement. Featuring Seton’s narrative and art, this collection is part of Gibbs Smith’s Wilderness series, aligning with notable naturalists like Thoreau and Muir to inspire contemporary naturalists and conservationists.

You can get a copy of Wild Animals I Have Known by Ernest Thompson Seton, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

Steep Trails by John Muir

Steep Trails is a collection of essays and letters by John Muir, chronicling 29 years of his explorations in the American West. A revered figure in environmentalism, Muir not only traversed the landscapes of California, the Cascades, the Wasatch Ranges, and more, but also advocated for their preservation. His writings offer a personal and intimate view of nature, connecting readers with the wilderness at a time when reconnecting with the earth is more important than ever.

You can get a copy of Steep Trails by John Muir, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

White Fang by Jack London

This ambitious work follows the wolfdog White Fang through the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, weaving a story of violence, morality, redemption, and the search for home. A must-have for fans of London, book enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.

You can get a copy of White Fang by Jack London, part of the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, on Amazon or Bookshop.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about immersing yourself in the natural world through literature. The Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series not only connects you with the raw beauty of nature but also serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of conservation and the enduring spirit of exploration. Whether you’re just starting your book collection or are a seasoned collector, I hope this guide inspires you to dive deeper into these classic works and cherish the natural wonders they reveal.

Do you collect the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series? Have you read any of these books?  Are any of these books on your TBR?  Do you own any books from the Gibbs Smith Wilderness Series, Gibbs Smith Nature Collection?  Let’s talk in the comments below.