Perspective

The perspective of Death in Yellowstone is that of its author, Lee Whittlesey. A thirty-five year veteran of the park, Whittlesey has served as a tour guide and park ranger. He has an MA in history and a JD in law and so not only knows the geography of Yellowstone well, but knows its history and is familiar with the legal issues that the park often becomes involved in. All of these hard won series of expertise make Whittlesey acutely aware of the dangers in Yellowstone and have given him enough experience to understand how to preserve it.

Whittlesey's perspective is most clearly characterized by a sense of moral indignation against foolish and arrogant park visitors. The staff of Yellowstone National Park goes out of its way to provide ample warnings to visitors about the various dangers associated with the park and yet many do not listen. When...