Journey into the lives of the people
who shaped our natural world
and the values that sustain it.
THE GREEN THREAD
To inspire exploration and the courage to believe in what’s possible.
Our Mission:
The Green Thread series explores the lives of people who shaped the natural world and the values that guide us. From Olmsted’s urban parks and Roosevelt’s fight for wilderness to Mary Austin’s desert advocacy, Jack London’s frontier spirit, John Muir’s preservation work, and Marcus Aurelius’s discipline under pressure, these stories reveal what it takes to build and protect what matters.
Whether you're a young adult, a history buff, or simply seeking inspiration, “The Green Thread” takes you on a powerful journey through the lives of these remarkable figures, encouraging readers to explore, protect, and connect with each other, and the natural world around them.
6 Titles Available
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Marcus Aurelius
DesStep into the life of Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor who ruled Rome at a moment of constant crisis. War pressed the northern borders. Plague moved through crowded cities. Political pressure tightened inside the palace walls. While commanding legions and stabilizing an empire, Marcus was also fighting a quieter battle within himself.
Discover how his private notes became Meditations, one of the most enduring reflections on character ever written. See how he faced grief, betrayal, illness, and power without surrendering to anger or ego. More than a ruler, Marcus was a leader who chose discipline over impulse and responsibility over spectacle, turning relentless pressure into a model of strength that still matters today.cription goes here
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Jack London
Journey into the life of Jack London, the restless adventurer and literary trailblazer who captured the raw power of nature and the human struggle for survival. From the icy expanse of the Klondike to the unforgiving streets of the East End, London lived the stories he told—pushing himself to the edges of endurance, society, and ambition.
Discover how his unyielding spirit shaped The Call of the Wild, White Fang, and countless other works that redefined American storytelling. Explore his battles with poverty, his socialist ideals, and his relentless pursuit of truth through fiction. More than just an author, London was a man who chased the wild, embraced hardship, and turned his experiences into words that still echo today.
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Frederick Law Olmsted
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the life of the visionary landscape architect who not only shaped America's parks but also ignited a movement that redefined the very essence of our cities.
From the sweeping vistas of Central Park to the tranquil pathways of Boston's Emerald Necklace, Olmsted's legacy continues to inspire and delight, reminding us of the vital connection between humanity and the natural world.
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John Muir
Voyage through the life of John Muir, the revered naturalist and preservationist who not only explored America's wild places but also ignited a movement that redefined our relationship with nature.
Experience Muir's unwavering belief in the sanctity of the natural world, a belief that fueled his tireless advocacy for the protection of the wilderness. Explore the iconic landscapes he fought to preserve, from the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the serene beauty of Alaska's glaciers, and understand how his efforts nurtured both the environment and the human spirit.
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Mary Hunter Austin
Discover the captivating life of Mary Hunter, the prolific writer and environmentalist who not only explored the mystique of America's deserts but also ignited a movement that redefined our relationship with these fragile landscapes.
From the silent sands of the Mojave Desert to the rugged beauty of the Owens Valley, witness Austin's dramatic evolution—from a determined young woman defying societal norms to one of the foremost advocates for the preservation of America's desert wilderness and the people who called these lands home.
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Theodore Roosevelt
Journey alongside one of America’s most dynamic leaders as he battles the political forces of his time, endures personal tragedy, and embarks on thrilling adventures.
From the plains of the Dakota Badlands to the unexplored depths of the Amazon. Roosevelt’s story is one of indomitable will and deep emotional complexity, as he transforms from a sickly child to a Rough Rider, president, and the nation’s first true conservationist.
Witness his fight to preserve the nation’s greatest natural treasures—millions of acres of national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges that he fiercely protected for future generations.
Shirley D. - Bronx NY
“My students love these books because they’re fun to read, inspiring, and filled with beautiful visuals.”
Alexandre I. - San Francisco, California
“It feels like you are traveling right along with them!”
About the author
Jonathan Cronin is an explorer of cultures and landscapes. His life, much like the people he writes about in The Green Thread series, is driven by curiosity and a love of discovery. He finds inspiration everywhere, from the streets of Brooklyn to the beaches of Rockaway. He seeks out hidden green spaces in New York City and beyond with his son, Miles, partner D, and their adventure dog, Zoro. His path has taken him from Olmsted’s parks in Boston to the deserts of Arizona, beneath the redwoods of California, and across landscapes around the world, shaping him into the devoted father, creative professional, and advocate for exploration he is today.
Through The Green Thread, Jonathan invites readers to connect with the lives of those who shaped our land and our shared ideals. He hopes these stories encourage you to follow your own curiosity, pursue what matters to you, and experience the lasting power of connecting with nature and with each other.
Ashley K. - Phoenix, Arizona
“I read it cover to cover in one sitting. It’s inspiring to read about someone who pursued her passions against the odds.”
Stacey L. - Manhattan, New York