author : Joe Yogerst

This is the course guidebook that accompanies the 24 lecture “Great Course” of the same name. It is essentially an abbreviated transcript of each lecture, a few pictures, and some suggested further reading. (I watched the lectures, which is what I am reviewing here, and am using the book simply as an aide-memoire.)

We got this as a follow-up to the Wonders of the National Parks Great Course. That other course focusses on the geology and scenery of the National Parks; this course however focusses more on the amenities, such as hiking trails, boating facilities, and interpretive centres (whatever they are). As such, it is less like a field guide, and more like an extended tourist board advert (but with very few pictures, and even fewer “Wonders“), and so is rather a wasted opportunity.