Oregon Books

The Sum Of Our Past: Revisiting Pioneer Women strives to answer the question: who were American pioneer women, really? True stories of the lives of courageous women, whether determinedly standing their ground or secretly confiding their weaknesses, assemble a composite picture of both the hardship and the joy of daily frontier life. Black-and-white photographs illustrate this memorable tribute that does not overly idealize pioneer women, nor stereotype them as Hollywood media tends to (in the "submissive but sturdy" civilizing woman category, or the "drinking, smoking, cursing" Calamity Jane category), but rather offers an extensively researched yet thoroughly readable portrait that will connect women readers across America with their roots. Highly recommended and rewarding reading, The Sum Of Our Past: Revisiting Pioneer Women is ideal for collegiate level Women's Studies supplement reading lists as well.

This has got to be the most in-depth book on the creation of a Chinatown (or any neighborhood for that matter) in the United States. Anyone interested in community development, the Asian American experience, or Chinese immigration to the U.S. should read this book. Very good black and white photos, maps, and reproductions of old documents.

Wow, what a great gift for my Duck friend and true sports buff!! It's not just another sports expose', but a very comprehensive compilation of Oregon football and sports memories. He loves it and that is just what I expected.

I bought this book on a whim and found it to be an excellent and engaging overview of some very interesting international rock art archaeology along with some fascinating new ethnographic information. There are actually discussions with Indian elders about rock art. Highly recommended!

The riveting story of the 1939 NCAA Champions, the University of Oregon Ducks--a basketball team that "comes along once in a lifetime."

"A must-read for any college basketball fan. It's the story of the most famous group of 'Tall Firs' to ever come out of the Pacific Northwest. The boys finally get their due in this great book by Joe Blakely." --Gary Henley, Daily Astorian

"That Balance So Rare" is a perfect introduction to the history of Oregon. It can be used as a good general reference for scholars who need a starting point to further their knowledge of this State and region, even though it is accessible to all, and to readers of all ages. The well-written, informative and often humorous text is accompanied by dozens of lovely photographs and illustrations which really evoke Oregon's colorful past. O'Donnell focuses on the nineteenth and early twentieth century, as he correctly sees this period as the time when the political, economic and social features of modern Oregon were essentially defined. Also commendable is his treatment of the local Native Americans, who were pushed from their "garden of Eden" by successive waves of white settlement. Recommended reading for Oregon natives and anyone interested in learning more about this beautiful Pacific Northwest state.

Oregon has had a long tradition of journalists also distinguishing themselves in the political field. Although Richard Neuberger's life and career were sadly cut short by cancer at the age of 47 in 1960, he managed to leave an impressive legacy of work. The almost three dozen pieces collected in this volume are remarable for their breadth of subject matter, depth of insight and clarity of expression. It's also impressive to consider the maturity Neuberger achieved at an early age. "The New Germany," which appeared in The Nation in 1933 when Neuberger was only 20, established his reputation as a journalist and provided one of the first warnings that Hitler's regime would not be benign as some in the U.S. seemed to hope.

The title comes from a selection that originally appeared in Neuberger's book Adventures in Politics. Noting the tendency of many who serve in congress never to return to their roots after their service ends, he quotes a Union Pacific agent in Idaho who told him a former Senator no longer lived there. "Those guys never come back to Pocatello."

Oregon-born political journalist Steve Neal, who selected and edited this collection, provides an introductory biographical essay. This is a fine presentation of the life and work of one of Oregon's most distinguished leaders in the mid-20th century.--William C. Hall

I recently moved to another state. I have GPS software and know how to use Mapquest, but there are times when I'm in my car and want/need to look at a "real" map. Thomas Guide is user-friendly, since it is a bound book, so I don't have to struggle with some giant map that is cumbersome (and trying to refold one summons images of The Three Stooges). It was a few years old, but the area where I reside hasn't changed that much. Thomas Guides are a little pricey, but I purchased this one in used/good condition. I'm really glad I did.

I have many family members living in King and Pierce counties. I am originally from Seattle, but the areas away from the city have changed beyond my childhood memories. I have put tabs on the pages where a family member or a friend lives and have highlighted the route to each street.
It will be the first thing I put in my suit case for each visit to Washington State.

This is a very helpful map system. I am looking at real estate online and can refer to the Thomas Guide for locations. Easy to use.