Two in the Far North, published in 1962, is a captivating memoir by Margaret E. Murie that recounts her adventurous life in the Alaskan wilderness. Blending personal narrative, natural history, and conservation advocacy, the book provides a unique window into the untamed beauty of Alaska and the deep bond between humans and nature. Murie, often called the “Grandmother of the Conservation Movement,” writes with both warmth and clarity, sharing her life with her husband, Olaus Murie, a renowned biologist and fellow conservationist.
The memoir begins with Margaret’s childhood in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she grew up amid harsh winters and wild landscapes. Her early experiences fostered a lifelong love for the outdoors. Later, her marriage to Olaus becomes a central theme of the book, as the couple embarks on numerous scientific expeditions into remote regions of Alaska. These journeys, undertaken in the 1920s and 1930s, are described in rich detail, revealing not only the physical challenges they faced but also the profound spiritual connection they developed with the wilderness.
One of the strengths of Two in the Far North is how it weaves together adventure and purpose. The Muries’ explorations were not only thrilling but also contributed significantly to ecological understanding and the burgeoning conservation movement. Margaret’s writing is filled with reverence for the land and the animals that inhabit it, and her passion helped inspire the eventual creation of protected areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
In conclusion, Two in the Far North is more than just a memoir—it is a tribute to Alaska’s wild places and a call to preserve them. Through her eloquent storytelling and heartfelt observations, Margaret Murie invites readers to experience the majesty of the far north and to consider their own relationship with the natural world. The book stands as a timeless reminder of the importance of conservation and the enduring power of wild landscapes to shape human lives.
Born in 1902 and passing away in 2003 at the age of 101, Murie lived through a century of dramatic change, much of which she met with a steadfast love for wilderness and a commitment to preserving it.
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