Randall K. Wilson Wins Prestigious Book Prize for “A Place Called Yellowstone”
A Celebrated Historian and a Timeless Subject
Randall K. Wilson, a professor of environmental studies at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, has been awarded the 2025 Barbara and David Zalaznick Book Prize for his groundbreaking work, A Place Called Yellowstone: The Epic History of the World’s First National Park. The New York Historical Society presents this prestigious annual award to the best work of American history or biography, and Wilson’s book has been recognized for its captivating and comprehensive narrative. Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural and historical icon that continues to resonate deeply with Americans. Today, it attracts nearly 4.5 million visitors annually, making it a symbol of shared heritage and ideological unity in a divided nation. Wilson’s book delves into the park’s complex history, revealing its role as a site of both wonder and conflict.
Bridging Divides: Yellowstone’s Enduring Appeal
Yellowstone’s significance extends far beyond its stunning landscapes and geothermal marvels. It has long been a place where disparate groups have clashed and collaborated, from the struggles between 19th-century settlers and Native American nations to 20th-century debates over wilderness preservation and public access. Wilson’s work highlights these tensions, weaving together stories of bison herds, land disputes, and wildfire management to create a rich tapestry of the park’s history. Yet, Yellowstone’s allure is not confined to the past. In recent years, the popular television show Yellowstone has reintroduced the name to modern audiences, reigniting curiosity about the park’s cultural and historical significance. Wilson’s book capitalizes on this fascination, offering readers a compelling narrative that blends bureaucratic struggles, personal exploits, and Hollywood-worthy moments.
A storyteller’s Touch: Wilson’s Masterful Narrative
Wilson’s talent as a storyteller has been praised for transforming otherwise dry historical events into engaging tales. In one memorable chapter, he recounts the 1943 protest against the newly established Jackson Hole National Monument in Wyoming, led by actor Wallace Beery, who dressed as a cowboy and joined armed ranchers and their cattle in a dramatic stand against federal authority. Such vignettes, combined with Wilson’s ability to highlight individual exploits and human drama, set his book apart. Reviewers, such as Lorraine Berry of The Los Angeles Times, have lauded the work as “great reading,” praising its ability to turn complex historical events into entertaining and accessible stories.
Redefining Biography: A Broader Vision of American History
The New York Historical Society’s board chair, Agnes Hsu-Tang, has noted that Wilson’s book redefines the concept of biography, offering a history of America that is both expansive and deeply personal. While many biographies focus on individual lives, Wilson’s work encompasses the broader themes of national identity, environmental stewardship, and cultural conflict. The book’s ability to balance the specific and the universal has made it a standout choice for the Zalaznick Book Prize, which honors works that are not only scholarly but also accessible to a general audience.
A Prize with Prestige: Honoring Excellence in American History
The Barbara and David Zalaznick Book Prize carries a $50,000 cash reward and is typically awarded to works of political history, focusing on presidents, leaders, and prominent figures. However, the prize also recognizes books that tackle broader themes with contemporary relevance. For example, in 2021, during the coronavirus pandemic, the award went to Tracy Campbell’s The Year of Peril: America in 1942, which challenged nostalgic portrayals of World War II as a time of national unity. Past winners include prominent historians Alan Taylor, Beverly Gage, and Jonathan Eig, whose works have similarly bridged the gap between academic rigor and public engagement.
A Timely Reflection on America’s Past and Future
Randall K. Wilson’s A Place Called Yellowstone is more than a history of a national park; it is a reflection of America’s enduring struggles and aspirations. By exploring the park’s complex legacy, Wilson offers readers a lens through which to understand the nation’s evolving relationship with its natural resources, indigenous peoples, and shared spaces. As the prize committee noted, Wilson’s work is a testament to the power of history to illuminate the present and inspire the future. With its compelling narrative and ambitious scope, A Place Called Yellowstone is not only a fitting winner of the Zalaznick Book Prize but also a reminder of the enduring significance of America’s first national park.
