Handbook of Yosemite National Park; A compendium of articles on the Yosemite region by the leading scientific authorities by Hall, Ansel F. [Ed.] - 1921

New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1921. First Edition. Very Good. , signed [4.75x7.5"]; Forest green cloth covers with black lettering on spine and front, black illustration of tree on spine, stamped illustration of Yosemite Valley, Merced river and Half Dome in black, green and pale yellow with green lettering, all edges trimmed; xiii, 347 pp., frontispiece image of Yosemite Valley, 26 plates of black and white images of the geology, plants and animals, map of Yosemite National Park; Minor shelf wear to edges with some rubbing to covers, some frayed areas to top and bottom of spine, slightly darken spine, small stain spot to back cover fore edge, front and back hinges repaired with new end papers; From original end paper, tipped in inscription by Hall "To my friend Herbert Sonn with the heartiest good wishes of Ansel F Hall, Yosemite Valley, Oct. 17, 1922" on front free end paper. Ansel Franklin Hall (1894-1962) was a naturalist and the first Chief Naturalist and Forester of the United States National Park Service. From 1920 to 1923, Hall was the first Park Naturalist of Yosemite National Park. He established interpretive programs, founded the Yosemite Museum Association, produced geological models, native crafts and natural history specimens for display. This handbook about Yosemite was compiled by Hall to provide an overview of the administration of the park, recreational activities and a science based review of the geology,animals and plants. Hall was also a mentor to a young Ansel Adams, just beginning his famous photographic career. The inscription is to Herbert Sonn, also known as "The Birdman of Yosemite". Sonn came to the park in 1914 as a visitor and stayed until 1937. He camped, made and sold novelty carvings of birds out of pine cones and trees, and gave entertaining bird lectures.