Fierce Country

The inspiring, untold story of three incredible women who spearheaded recreation, conservation and resilience in America’s most beloved landscapes, for readers of Pam Houston and David Grann In the spring of 1945, when just a handful of people had been through the Grand Canyon in boats, Georgie White jumped into the river in just a lifejacket and swam through the rapids. She spent the rest of her life bringing people through the canyon, kickstarting river running and the recreation industry. While Georgie was guiding the river, pioneering wilderness guide Anne LaBastille protected endangered species and predicted the impacts of climate change from her isolated, off-grid cabin in the Adirondacks. Meanwhile, groundbreaking powder skier Dolores LaChapelle was developing an environmental philosophy that shaped everything from the radical environmental movement of the ‘70s to modern conservation ethics. All three women were obsessed with the places they love and unwilling to compromise about being outside. They were relentless and revolutionary. But they were largely ignored except in small circles. Now, outdoor journalist and celebrated author of Powder Days Heather Hansman goes deep into three rugged American landscapes to bring these women’s fascinating lives to the forefront of the outdoor movement, affirming the rightful place in the larger story of an evolving American wild.