I like camping – or at least my version of it. I like sleeping in a tent, roasting marshmallows over a fire, and getting close to nature. If you’re not too fond of camping, you may enjoy watching Jim Gaffigan’s stand-up bit on camping, which pokes fun at some of the problems with activity. But if you are a camping enthusiast and want to learn more about the history of camping, I recommend reading Under the Stars: How America Fell in Love with Camping by Dan White.

The book’s strength is that it is a very detailed and well-researched history of camping in America, complemented by throrough end note and bibliography sections. The author has done his homework, and it really shows. Through Under the Stars, readers will become more acquainted with relevant historical figures, such as Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir. The author nicely blends historical information with tales of his own experiences in the outdoors.

You can find Under the Stars here.