Perspective

Norman Maclean (1902-1990) is the author of "Young Men and Fire" as well as the bestselling novel "A River Runs Through It." Although Maclean spent many years as a teacher and university administrator, the author never forgot his experiences at Mann Gulch and continued to revisit the canyon numerous times in order to collect information and not to forget the tragedy that had occurred at the site.

At the age of 7, Maclean's father, Reverend John Maclean relocated the family to Missoula, Montana. It was about this time that Maclean had his first experience with fire when the family was rescued while camping on an island.

At age 15, Maclean joined the U.S. Forest Service because he was too young to serve in World War I. During the time spent in the Forest Service, Maclean learned a great deal about fire, from its origins to physical properties and devastating...