Alaska Books

I met the author and his wife during my visit to Denali National Park last summer. They recently built a wonderful lodge, EarthSong Lodge, in which they share natural history and help their guests plan hiking and backpacking trips. Wonderful place, and wonderful hosts. Highly recommend anyone going to Alaska to buy Jon's book and stay at EarthSong Lodge.

A perfect title. Great recipes AND extra little stories about the recipe's history or special ingredient. It's what makes a good recipe beloved. You can almost see Ruth Allman in her kitchen making her sourdough soft ginger cookies with the wind howling outside. It makes me think these recipes were handed down within my own family. Focus is on ingredients that travel and store well and those that suit Alaska's climate: lemons, cranberries, prunes, and pumpkin in winter and oh those fresh berries in summer.

I received this cookbook from a friend several years ago and it has been in continual use since then. The recipe selection is not exhaustive, and that's the good part. You don't get lost in all the recipes, but this book contains some gems. The Vagabond Blues Blueberry Coffee Cake is one of my favorites with its satisfying lemon-ricotta cheese filling. The author includes some basic recipes (e.g., rhubarb pie, lemon meringe pie, and lemon squares) that are the best I've tried. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves baked goods. Ms. Eppenbach, I wish you would write another.

This is a very well-written look at what was the largest financial organization in Alaska. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in economics, economic history, and finance, especially oriented around Alaska, the northwest US, or America in general.

World War II is happening, but there isn't much war rationing in Fairbanks. Davis's lean description of people, including himself, his family, the people and characters of Fairbanks, makes what they do and say interesting. I won't easily forget Davis's descriptions of the lives of two old timers, friends, who lived in separate wall tents, heated when it was minus 40 degrees by wooden stoves, who cut and sold firewood to stay alive. Were they really stranded by the war related government shut down of gold mining? What was it that kept them in Alaska away from their farms and families thousands of miles away? Through the telling of these and other stories, the interesting but understated thread that evolves shows how Davis grew out of the boom-bust, success-failure cycle he saw limit the lives of others.

This book is a must for anyone seriously considering hunting brown/grizzly bears. Tony Russ covers every aspect of the trip, including a complete list of every piece of necessary gear, what to expect, how to find bears, how to judge bears, how to stalk bears or choose a good stand/blind location, how to make the shot, and how to care for a bear hide once you've got your bear. He also covers generalities, such as bear biology and behavior, how to prepare physically for a bear hunt, and when and where a bear hunter should focus his efforts. It is an extraordinarily easy read in which one can find everything he needs to know before setting out after these magnificent beasts.

This is a wonderful book. It tells some of the stories of the Koyukon Indians in Alaska. These stories have drawn me into the Athabaskan culture and history which is fascinating.

This guide book covers everything you need to know about travel in and to Alaska. Brief but informative information given in an easy-to-find format makes it a great value compared to larger, more expensive guides. The convenient smaller size fits easily into your carry-on, briefcase,tote or glove box. I found it accurate and fact-filled!

For Alaskans, this story of "Benny's Flag" is part of our history. For others, it offers a unique view into some of the values that shape life in the 49th state. What other place would have a contest for schoolchildren to design the state flag? Benny, who won the contest, wanted to express his love for Alaska in his design, and so he looked to nature for his inspiration. As did the illustrator. The lush and evocative two page paintings bring the reader right into Benny's world, while the author tells the story with simplicity and grace. The warmth of this beautifully illustrated book will draw in adults as well as children.

Written by my late grandfather over a 2-year period and published in 1984, The Bering Sea Fur Seal Dispute is a must for any maritime history buff or Alaska history buff. Author Gerald O. Williams passed away in 2001. Currently working on securing the rights to the book for a limited-edition run of second editions.

Glowing with warm, earthy colours and generously adorned with animal friends, industry and magical chanting, this simple celebration of creativity and appreciation is pure joy.