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Peter Hoss relates his story from the perspective of someone whose parents, when he was born, were already intimately involved in the life of Yosemite National Park. Herman and Della Hoss were friends with Ansel and Virginia Adams, and his children became Peter’s best friends. Peter’s love of Yosemite, its lore, its beauty, its fascination, and his sense of fun and spirit of adventure were pre-destined. Personalities and individuals who have worked in Yosemite, in the High Country, or Yosemite Valley, seasonally, or for longer periods, are all influenced by their unique experiences – colorfully described by their friend, Peter Hoss.

7×9.9 • 331 pages • $29.95

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ISBN 978-1935530220

Peter T. Hoss was born in Yosemite Valley in 1934. He graduated from Stanford Law School in 1958 and practiced law in Monterey County, California, 1962-1999. He has been an employee in the Park and a legal adviser to Park entities. Currently he is a board member of the Ansel Adams Gallery, a member of the John Muir Heritage Society, The Yosemite Conservancy, and a trustee of A Christian Ministry in the National Parks. Peter visits Yosemite regularly to enjoy its scenic beauty and to visit friends. He maintains interest in current political controversies and other developments. After traveling extensively, statewide and worldwide, he has never found anything comparable to Yosemite.

Customer Reviews

• Fascinating insights into Yosemite National Park. “Born in Yosemite” is a wonderful book, offering far more than the title indicates. The author is one of very few people born in Yosemite. He grew up surrounded by people whose names are known the world over, such as Ansel Adams and his family. Hoss describes a time in this beloved place that no one will ever experience again. But he then goes on to deliver much more: inside information on years of disputes over how Yosemite should be “managed,” disputes among well-intentioned people who disagree passionately about how many people should visit the park, how they should be controlled, what amenities should be provided, who should “run” the park and more. Anyone who loves Yosemite will be absorbed by this behind-the-scenes view of battles that raged for years. And there is even more: short biographical studies of people who are “icons” associated with Yosemite. Altogether. this book is a real treasure, provided by an author with a unique understanding of his subject. (By Barbara Mountrey on March 24, 2012)
• Wonderful book about Yosemite in the 20^th and ideas for 21^st Peter Hoss reveals a special artisan lifestyle at the wonderful Yosemite National Park. His mother started writing a book filled with art about the trees in Yosemite of which I hope to see a second edition. Also his ties to the Ansel Adams family. Peter Hoss wrote this beautiful book with his ideas about how to look at national parks in general and Yosemite specially, my relatives and I love the inside information that is extremely accurate and about full love for the Yosemite park. The information is filled with details unknown to many people. Actually after reading the book the author invited me to come over from the Kingdom of the Netherlands to visit Yosemite and its wonderful history. All that has been written in the book appeared to be 100% true. We also visited Wawona with its famous grand piano player Tom Bopp whom also had written a chapter in the fabulous book. We loved Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls (the highest in US) its trees its fall colors, the historic sequoias and historic not indiginous Vermont maple. Also we loved Mono Lake, a wonderful remarkable feature unique in the whole world. We loved the book for its accurate inside information about the Yosemite park and love to visit this beautiful park over and over again. (By “pmflip” on November 4, 2011)
• Great book on recent history of Yosemite. This book is full of great inside information on the people and the legacy that is Yosemite. It is truly enjoyable. (By “GEP” on March 26, 2013)
• A must read for lovers of Yosemite. Fantastic book. Peter grew up in Yosemite. His best friend was the son Ansel Adams. Lots of great photos. (By Eugene Burkett on July 12, 2014)