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Lee H. Whittlesey
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Death in Yellowstone: Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park, 2nd Edition Paperback – Illustrated, January 7, 2014

by Lee H. Whittlesey (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,318 ratings
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The chilling tome that launched an entire genre of books about the often gruesome but always tragic ways people have died in our national parks, this updated edition of the classic includes calamities in Yellowstone from the past sixteen years, including the infamous grizzly bear attacks in the summer of 2011 as well as a fatal hot springs accident in 2000. In these accounts, written with sensitivity as cautionary tales about what to do and what not to do in one of our wildest national parks, Whittlesey recounts deaths ranging from tragedy to folly—from being caught in a freak avalanche to the goring of a photographer who just got a little too close to a bison. Armchair travelers and park visitors alike will be fascinated by this important book detailing the dangers awaiting in our first national park.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    440 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Roberts Rinehart
  4. Publication date
    January 7, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1570984506
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1570984501
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

PRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION
. . . One thing is certain: it is the most fascinating book ever written about Yellowstone Park and its environs. ― Journal of the West

PRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION
A little morbid, but strangely fascinating. ― Booklist

Behind the gripping adventure, drama, and heartbreak of the stories told in this uniquely authoritative book are deep lessons—not only in personal responsibility but in the role of national parks in our society. Lee Whittlesey's compelling study of Yellowstone fatalities wisely reminds us of both the price and the pricelessness of protecting wild nature. -- Dr. Paul Schullery, former Ranger, Yellowstone National Park, author of Mountain Time and Searching for Yellowstone

A former Yellowstone tour guide himself, Lee Whittlesey has written a book that every guide studies in Death in Yellowstone. While guides may wish to discuss the role of wolves or forest fires in a wilderness ecosystem, their passengers too often just want stories of the misfortune of their fellow travelers—and this is the seminal work on the subject. -- Leslie James Quinn, Yellowstone interpretive specialist, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc.

It is hard to imagine anyone but Lee Whittlesey recounting these stories of death in Yellowstone. He is unquestionably the Yellowstone expert for ferreting out and weaving together the details of how visitors and personnel met their untimely ends in and around the park. The sheer weight of new material added to bring this second edition up-to-date is a clear indication that the Yellowstone landscape continues to demand both our awe and our respect. But it is Whittlesey’s personal perspective that sets this book apart. His passion for historical detective work combined with his intimate knowledge of both the park and the park experience give the reader a very real glimpse into the author’s long relationship with the place and its people, endearing the reader to both. -- Dr. Judith L. Meyer, author of The Spirit of Yellowstone

Whittlesey’s already gripping account of accidents and foolhardiness in Yellowstone is now updated, more comprehensive, and all the more fascinating. -- Dr. Michael Yochim, National Park Service; author of Protecting Yellowstone

About the Author

Lee H. Whittlesey is a historian and the author of Storytelling in Yellowstone and Yellowstone Place Names. He has appeared in numerous documentaries on the national parks and the West in general, most notably Ken Burns’s recent series. He lives in Gardiner, Montana.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Roberts Rinehart; 2nd edition (January 7, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 440 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1570984506
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1570984501
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.58 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,318 ratings

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Lee H. Whittlesey

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
1,318 global ratings
Live to tell about it
4 Stars
Live to tell about it
I had previously read Over the Edge, Death in the Grand Canyon. If you haven't read it, I recommend that book also. This was almost as good a read. Both books are reminders that our National Parks are not Disneyland, nor are they petting zoos. By minding the rules, being cautious and using common sense, we can still enjoy these parks and live to tell about it. This book was a reminder that these parks are set aside to preserve nature, not to tame it.
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Top reviews from the United States

Stefanie
5.0 out of 5 stars So entertaining and informative
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024
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Bought this for my parents as they are going to Yellowstone. They love it. it has some amazing (and stupid) stories in it. very informative for sure, teaches you what not to do and some background about the park.
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J
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2024
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Super interesting. Worth the read.
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Dianne Liebes
4.0 out of 5 stars It was at times a bit boring, but the stories were fascinating
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2016
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This was certainly the most painstakingly, well-researched book I've read. It was at times a bit boring, but the stories were fascinating. We have been traveling almost yearly to Yellowstone for over 40 years. It never grows old. I remember when my father and mother took my sister and I there. That was in the late 50's when the black bears crowded every stop. At Tower Falls I needed to use the restroom. My mother was freaking out and didn't want me to get out of the car. That's the only "stupid" thing I ever did at Yellowstone. The bears didn't pay any attention to me as I had no food as others did, but as exciting and cool as it was to walk amidst the bears, it was totally understandable that it was finally stopped. Since then in all those years, we've seen maybe a dozen bears at a distance. Sad, but safe. Buffalo, on the other hand, are always "right in your face" more or less. My husband and son (12 at the time) ended up caught in the middle of a herd crossing the highway. They were on a Honda Goldwing motorcycle. Needlesstosay, they held their breath, sat still, and prayed. LOL My children also grew up knowing the dangers of animals, hot pots, cliffs, rivers, etc. They were never allowed out of sight and held hands. Our youngest was on a leash! Excellent book. I think everyone going to Yellowstone should be required to read it and take heed.
29 people found this helpful
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DPS
5.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile read for planning a Yellowstone adventure
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2016
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Informative, entertaining, and exhaustively researched. The author handles an important but often delicate subject with both frankness and empathy. If you are looking for something with a point-and-laugh, Darwin Awards type of attitude towards the ways people can get themselves killed in the park, then look elsewhere. That's not this book. Whittlesey does not hesitate to be brutally honest in explaining how someone's lack of planning or poor decision making became fatal, but he never ridicules the unfortunate. After all, this book is meant to be instructive and help readers avoid the fates that befell those whose stories it recounts. This is not, however, some kind of survival instruction book. There are no secret tips or techniques; the advice is generally what one would consider common sense. But the stories of the real life tragedies in this book are useful because they make the reader aware of and remember the inherent dangers of a true wilderness. They are important not because the lessons are hard to learn, but because they are easy to forget, especially when one's attention is captivated by the beauty of the park.

It's not all blood and gore, either. The reader picks up a good deal of fascinating history about the park and its neighboring towns along the way. It's a worthwhile read for someone planning a trip to the park or anyone with an interest in the history of Yellowstone.

And for the love of all that is good and holy, stay on the marked paths and walkways and take small children by the hand in geothermal areas.
19 people found this helpful
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kris h.
3.0 out of 5 stars Very poorly printed, but appears historically correct
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2023
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Chronologically written by manner of death, starting with hot springs. Easy to read, sprinkled with events, lawsuits and park management, it's got a little bit for everyone. Not a horror novel - its blatent and factual. A little humor, such as one visitor asking if the dangerous sign was the name of the geyser.

The huge issue is the horrible print quality. The two inches on each outer edge of the pages is printed in grey, not black, as show in the photos. Definitely a book that will make your eyes hurt.
Customer image
kris h.
3.0 out of 5 stars Very poorly printed, but appears historically correct
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2023
Chronologically written by manner of death, starting with hot springs. Easy to read, sprinkled with events, lawsuits and park management, it's got a little bit for everyone. Not a horror novel - its blatent and factual. A little humor, such as one visitor asking if the dangerous sign was the name of the geyser.

The huge issue is the horrible print quality. The two inches on each outer edge of the pages is printed in grey, not black, as show in the photos. Definitely a book that will make your eyes hurt.
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2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great stories on what NOT to do in YNP
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2023
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I really like this book and recommend it. I got it as a gift for my husband. Good stories but better lessons for everyone on what NOT to do.
3 people found this helpful
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roger van dusen
5.0 out of 5 stars Yellowstone Hazards
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2023
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A fascinating chronicle of fatal mishaps in the National Park. Each chapter concerns a different threat from falling into thermal features to plane crashes. Recommended for anyone wishing to visit Yellowstone in the future.
3 people found this helpful
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K. Barnett
4.0 out of 5 stars The information was great though, and I was fascinated by the thorough ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2018
Verified Purchase
Fascinating and comprehensive. Since I'm doing historical research, I'd hoped it would be arranged chronologically, but instead the incidents were grouped by type. I suppose that would make it easier for most readers, but it felt a bit disordered to me. Jumping from modern-day to distant history and then landing somewhere in the 70s was commonplace throughout the narrative. The information was great though, and I was fascinated by the thorough research that went into the book. There were also occasional personal notes as the author remarked on people he knew or related stories of park employees who had participated in rescues and recoveries. I appreciated the author's tender touch to what could be grisly subject matter. On a side note, I listened to the audio book on the long cross-country drive to Yellowstone. That sure made me look at the park with different eyes when I arrived.
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Top reviews from other countries

Wrong article was sent. I received a toothbrush holder instead of the pens.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in Canada on December 8, 2023
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Finished this book in 3 days. Love the way the author writes his stories and infos.
One person found this helpful
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judie forestieri
5.0 out of 5 stars Dangers of Yellowstone.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2023
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A. Good guide to how to enjoy your trip to Yellowstone and keep safe. Be sensible and stay very aware and stay safe.
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Colleen Boles
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in Canada on June 19, 2019
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Well written...cant put it down.
One person found this helpful
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lost coloradoan
4.0 out of 5 stars Beauty can be dangerous.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 19, 2014
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Nature can be unforgiving. The unprepared, the uneducated, the unthinking and the inattentive can all be found in this book. There are those who think the park is a tamed wilderness or that if there is no specific warning, it is safe. This book proves that vigilance and knowledge along with following the rules of the park go a long way toward a safe and enjoyable Yellowstone experience.
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vanilla sands
5.0 out of 5 stars a must read for anyone visiting national parks.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 28, 2015
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bought this book after reading the excellent 'over the edge' death in grand canyon. after visiting both yellowstone park & grand canyon you can actually visualise how these stupid accidents happen, while i was in grand canyon i actually watched children climb over the safety barrier while there parents where either on there mobile or taking pictures, its the mentality of 'it won't happen to us '. brilliant books the both of them, people are stupid & you can see why these books are necessary, such wonderful places & so many silly mistakes made by people that could be avoided, some deaths couldn't be avoided & that makes it all the more very sad, i would recommend these two books to everyone, couldn't put them down,these will stay in my 'library' no charity shops for these.
One person found this helpful
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