John Burroughs

John Burroughs (April 3, 1837 – March 29, 1921) was a pioneering American naturalist and essayist whose writings helped shape the genre of nature writing in the United States. Born on a farm in the Catskill Mountains near Roxbury, New York, Burroughs developed a deep appreciation for the natural world from an early age. His works, characterized by keen observations and poetic prose, celebrated the beauty of everyday nature and advocated for its preservation.

???? Early Life and Education

Burroughs was the seventh of ten children in his family. He began his formal education at the local rural school and later attended the Hedding Literary Institute and Cooperstown Seminary. At 17, he left home to become a teacher, alternating between teaching and studying at various institutions, including Cooperstown Seminary. In 1857, he married Ursula North, and the couple faced financial challenges early in their marriage. In 1860, Burroughs published his first significant essay, "Expression," in The Atlantic Monthly, which was well-received and marked the beginning of his literary career.

?? Literary Career and Contributions

Burroughs' first major work, Wake-Robin (1871), a collection of essays on birds and rural life, established him as a prominent figure in American literature. He published over 20 volumes of essays, including Signs and Seasons (1886), Fresh Fields (1884), and Camping and Tramping with Roosevelt (1906), the latter detailing a camping trip with President Theodore Roosevelt. His writing emphasized direct observation and personal experience, distinguishing him from more scientifically focused naturalists of his time.

In 1903, Burroughs initiated the "nature fakers controversy" by criticizing popular writers for their sensationalized and anthropomorphized portrayals of animals. This debate highlighted the importance of accurate and honest representations of nature in literature.

???? Personal Life and Legacy

In 1873, Burroughs purchased a farm in West Park, New York, which he named Riverby. He also built a cabin called Slabsides in the nearby Catskill Mountains, where he spent time writing and reflecting on nature. These retreats became central to his life and work.

Burroughs' influence extended beyond his writing. He was a close friend of Walt Whitman and a supporter of conservation efforts. His legacy is honored by the John Burroughs Association, which awards the annual John Burroughs Medal for distinguished natural history writing. Sites associated with his life, such as Riverby and Slabsides, are preserved as historical landmarks.

???? Notable Works

• Wake-Robin (1871)

• Signs and Seasons (1886)

• Camping and Tramping with Roosevelt (1906)

• Bird and Bough (1906)

• Under the Maples (1921)

????? Final Years

Burroughs continued to write and engage with nature until his health declined in early 1921. He passed away on March 29, 1921, while traveling from California back to New York. He was buried near Boyhood Rock, a place significant to his childhood, in Roxbury, New York.

John Burroughs' writings remain a testament to the profound connection between humans and the natural world, encouraging readers to observe, appreciate, and protect the environment.