“A gem. . . . One can only hope that this entertaining volume, which is as much mystery as history, will be widely read, enlightening us about both the park and the pitfalls of myths.”—Robert W. Righter, South Dakota History "The discussion concerning the place of myths, legends, and solid history is thought provoking. For history graduate students it is a case study in how bureaucracy can change over a generation or two, how myths can begin, and how difficult it can be to destroy them."—Richard A. Bartlett, Oregon Historical Quarterly “This book is valuable because it offers a complex vision of the origins of the national park ideal rather than a simple campfire story, and it is accessible to general readers. It is also an interesting tale of the use, and possible misuse, of history.”—Kathy S. Mason, Register of the Kentucky Historical Society “A productive and provocative exploration of the connections among national institutions, evolving ideologies, and the symbolic power of stories. It has much to offer to those interested in the social, cultural, and scientific issues that constitute environmental studies today.”—Robert E. Walls, Journal of American Folklore “A fascinating, courageous, and curious little book.”—Outdoor News Bulletin “The book should appeal to serious students of Western history and the conservation movement as well as those more philosophically inclined.”—Mark Hertig, Nebraska History