This book perfectly fit with my interests in ecological issues and environmental history. In my reading over the years, I'd often see William Douglas's name mentioned, but I wasn't interested in reading a full biography and the long list of books he wrote made it a little overwhelming to pick one to read. This book focuses exactly on the area of his life which interested me, and the text includes descriptions of several of his books.

Through him, it also looks at the environmental issues of his time in a broader sense including some of the people he associated with. For example, I was glad to read about the Muries, whom I've also seen mentioned many times over the years and because I lived in that area for a few years.

Douglas's activism on wilderness issues was admirable, if questionable given his position. Regardless of his personal flaws, if today's judicial and political leaders were more interested in protecting the natural world instead of corporations, and limiting guns instead of taking away women's rights, this would be a much better country. Let's not pretend the Supreme Court isn't political just because they're not open about their activism as Douglas was.

It was a pleasure to read this book. Thanks to University of Nebraska Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Before there was an Al Gore there was William O. Douglas.
“Citizen Justice: The Environmental Legacy of William O. Douglas—Public Advocate and Conservation Champion” by M. Margaret McKeown looks at the legacy of Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas as it relates to his environmental and conservation work.
Today, when it seems that our current court, does not care about conflict of interest, accepting monies outside of the court, not interested in how real people live or the whole idea of precedence, McKeown takes us back to a time when there was a Justice who stood for the underdog, the environment, indigenous people and ethics.
William O. Douglas was the longest serving Justice up to the current time and during those years he pushed, both on the court and off, for conservation and fighting for trees, rivers and mountains who did not have a voice of their own. Yes he was a liberal, yes he wrote a lot of minority opinions but he held firm to his convictions and beliefs. He was not swayed by other members on the court or other politicians, he was clearly his own person.
This book is extremely well written and researched. It is clear that the author believes in the subject and that she wants others to find out that there was a Supreme Court Justice that is more relevant today than we recognize. Before we had Earth Day and major legislation protecting the environment there was Douglas. If he had not taken up the cause of raising the awareness of the potential plight of our land we might not have the acres and acres of national parks and protected areas.
Although, this book may not receive a wide audience it really should. Anyone who is interested in the work of the Sierra Club or other organizations that are working hard to protect our environment should get this book as it shows their connection to Douglas during their early years. Also, for those interested in the potential power and influence that a Supreme Court Justice can have on public debate makes this a must read.