This summer, journey to Mount Katahdin, the magnificent peak that has dominated the landscape of Maine's North Woods for centuries. In this superbly researched new book, Maine historian John Neff takes readers on a journey through the mountain's history, legend, and legacy.
More about Katahdin: An Historic Journey
Mount Katahdin stands as an extraordinary landmark, for centuries dominating the changing landscape of Maine’s North Woods. This magnificent mountain has inspired and challenged all who have encountered it, from the Native Americans whose trade routes rounded its base; to Henry David Thoreau and Governor Percival P. Baxter, who forged new approaches to nature and conservation; to the hundreds of people who enjoy its trails and waterways each year.
In
Katahdin John Neff collects widely scattered sources—from journals, papers, and articles to unpublished firsthand accounts—and assembles the first comprehensive history of this massive peak. Neff shares Native American traditions and stories, recounts colonial settlers’ first glimpses of the dramatic mountain, traces the histories of trails and campsites, conveys the impact of the remarkable lumbering era, tells of the bustling sporting camps that sprang up in the mountain’s shadow, and follows the footsteps of Thoreau and other artists who have been touched by the mountain. Neff also retells the extraordinary story of Percival P. Baxter’s dream, reflecting on the legacy of conservation and preservation he left in his wake.
About the AuthorJohn W. Neff, a Maine resident and retired minister, has been involved with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club both as president and an active trail maintainer.He co-founded Friends of Baxter State Park, a nonprofit citizens group, and served as its first president.He has published articles for various local and regional Maine magazines and authored a book about Pemaquid Point, Maine.
Meet John Neff
Meet John Neff and hear him share tales of Katahdin history, including Indian legends, early explorers, artists who were touched by the mountain, the logging era, the sporting camps, trail and campsite histories, and much more.
- July 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Maine Historical Society/Longfellow Books, Portland, Maine
Talk and Signing
- July 22nd at 10:00 a.m.
Kennebunk Book Port, Kennebunkport, Maine
Talk and Signing
- July 29th at 3:00 p.m.
Borders Bookstore, South Portland, Maine
Talk and Signing
- August 12th at 8:00 p.m.
AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch, Twin Mountain, NH
Talk and Signing
Praise for Katahdin- "I am grateful to John W. Neff for his book Katahdin, in which he chronicles the history of the region and demonstrates how Katahdin has influenced so many artists, hikers, statesmen, naturalists, as well as the public in general—all those who have been awed by the mystical powers of Katahdin." —Rupert Baxter White"
- "Neff has assembled a collection of scattered contributions into an unparalleled whole. You will know every trail and landmark in the area, and the history and folklore behind them, when you finish reading." —Neil Rolde, author of The Baxters of Maine
- "Katahdin has a rich history and John captures it all: from Native American traditions to the formation of Baxter State Park and construction of the Appalachian Trail. Anyone who considers Katahdin a special place should know and share these stories to ensure broad support for preservation when the mountain and park face threats to their wilderness character." —Brian T. Fitzgerald,Chair of the Board of Directors, Appalachian Trail Conservancy
- "Most of us know how much a place can influence our lives.With insight into his own feelings and perceptive interpretation, John W. Neff brings to life the experiences and expressions of those who, through history, have come under the spell of this unusual mountain complex. Katahdin will inspire all of its readers to examine their own relationship with places they love in the natural world" —Dean Bennett, author of The Wilderness from Chamberlain Farm: A Story of Hope for the American Wild
- "John W.Neff 's historical journey—Katahdin—is a remarkable compilation of the stories of generations of travelers to the mountain. I found myself returning again and again in my mind's eye to a spot on a trail or to one peak or another of the Katahdin landscape, sharing those memorable views with the likes of fellow botanists Henry David Thoreau, Dr. Aaron Young, and Rev. Joseph Blake.My copy will be well worn in short order." —Don Hudson, Botanist and President, The Chewonki Foundation
- "John W. Neff ’s comprehensive account is one of the most readable in the vast lexicon of this legendary peak. Always evident is his deep feeling for Katahdin, one shared in his book by a host of characters, both famous and common, who have been drawn by its imposing presence." —Dave Getchell, Sr., Co-founder of the Maine Island Trail Association and the Georges Highland Path
