The story of Douglas Tompkins, founder of The North Face, who sold his stake in the company and used his fortune to protect over 25 million acres of land in South America from development.
Through a diligent yet sparkling, multifaceted biography, award-winning journalist Franklin evokes the charisma and commitment of this titan of both commercial and conservation realms.
A Wild Idea outlines the controversies surrounding Tompkins’s crusade. Still, Franklin could have offered a more nuanced (and better sourced) consideration of the white man’s burden that Tompkins carried in South America.
The great strengths of this timely, well-researched book lie not just in the author’s detailed characterization of Tompkins’ complex personality, but also in the celebration of his singularly dynamic crusade to save the environment. A satisfyingly heartfelt tribute to a thoroughly remarkable man.
