Wallace Stegner was the premier chronicler of the twentieth-century western American experience, and his novels brought the life and landscapes of the West to national and international attention. Here, biographer Fradkin goes beyond Stegner's iconic literary status to give us, as well, the influential teacher and visionary conservationist, the man for whom the preservation and integrity of place was as important as his ability to render its qualities and character in his brilliantly crafted fiction and nonfiction. His writings on the importance of establishing national parks and wilderness areas--not only for the preservation of untouched landscape but also for the enrichment of the human spirit--played a key role in the passage of historic legislation and comprise some of the most beautiful words ever written about the natural world.--From publisher description.