John Clayton explores the vast historical and cultural history of one of the most popular national parks to uncover why Yellowstone is so beloved in “Wonderlandscape: Yellowstone National Park and the Evolution of an American Cultural Icon.”
Clayton visited Yellowstone National Park for the first time in 1988, and he immediately was captivated by the area’s history, geology and wildlife. Yellowstone is the poster child for the National Park Service, and it has been the focal point for debates about climate change and wildlife management for some time. The history is vast and surprising, and Clayton takes several key moments in the life of Yellowstone to follow its growth and why it continues to be the jewel of the system.