Runes of the North (association copy)

NY: Knopf, 1963. First edition. Hardcover. Fine/Very good. Tenth printing, 1974. A nice association copy, inscribed to Minnesota lawyer Richard Flint who played a pivotal role in the protection of the state's environment and wilderness: "For Dick Flint, The gathering of runes is of great importance and infinitely rewarding for each one found is a milestone in your life. Good luck in your search. Sincerely, Sigurd F Olson, 7/22/76."  Illustrated by renown naturalist-illustrator Bob Hines (known for his collaborations with Rachel Carson). Taped to the front pastedown is a transcription of the inscription by Flint's wife on her personal stationary (indeed, Olson's gorgeous handwriting can be hard to read, but studying it is part of the pleasure). Flint was a young lawyer in Minneapolis who had previously worked as a canoe guide in the Boundary Waters. In 1970 he banded together with several other outdoorsy lawyers to establish first the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act (MERA, modeled after new legislation in Michigan) and then the Minnesota Wild and Scenic Rivers Act--he was one of three on a volunteer committee that drafted and brought forward the legislation. During this time, he also served for five years as president or vice-president of the Minnesota Sierra Club, which was integrally involved in these battles. In all these capacities he worked alongside Sigurd (Sig) Olson whose voice, like the call of a loon, is perhaps more than any other tied to the wilderness campaigns of the 60s and 70s, banding together with Aldo Leopold and Olaus and Margaret Murie. For much more on this history and Flint's role,  see this fantastic long interview with Flint as part of the Minnesota Foundational Environmental Laws Oral History Project at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Laid in is a Hallmark bookmark with a tassle. A fine book in a very good plus jacket with barely perceptible sunning to spine and some wear to crown, two short tears to top of front panel and a bookstore sticker, and a one-inch tear to the bottom of rear panel. An important environmental association copy related to Minnesota.  .