Alaska Books

Expertly compiled and knowledgeably edited by anthropologist John Martin Campbell In A Hungry Country: Essays By Simon Paneak, showcases the extraordinary expertise and life experiences of Simon Paneak (1900-1975), a Nunamiut hunter who was a uniquely valuable source of information on inland Eskimo history and cultural heritage. Provided with paper and pens by Jack Campbell, Peneak drew a series of pictures documenting Nunamiut life from 1969 until 1971. He also recorded his own earliest memories of life in the Brooks Range before the disastrous dispersal of his people to the coastal area in the early 1900s. Of special note is Paneak's retelling of a Nunamiut legend of flying whales, along with grim stories of warfare ad hunger. Illustrated with color photography, black-and-white illustrations, maps, bibliography, and an index, In A Hungry Country (also available in a hardcover edition - 1889963593, $59.95) is a treasury of anthropological and historical information, and a welcome contribution to academic Native American Studies collections and supplemental reading lists.

This is the German text edition of the book, "Into the Wild", which is a poignant, compelling narrative of an intelligent, intense, and idealistic young man, Chris McCandless, who cut off all ties to his upper, middle class family, and reinvented himself as Alexander Supertramp, a drifter living out of a backpack, eking out a marginal existence as he wandered throughout the United States. A modern day King of the Road, McCandless ended his journey in 1992 in Alaska, when he walked alone into the wilderness north of Denali. He never returned.

Krakauer investigates this young man's short life in an attempt to explain why someone who has everything going for him would have chosen this lifestyle, only to end up dead in one of the most remote, rugged areas of the Alaskan wilderness. Whether one views McCandless as a fool or as a modern day Thoreau is a question ripe for discussion. It is clear, however, from Krakauer's writing that his investigation led him to feel a strong, spiritual kinship with McCandless. It is this kindred spirit approach to his understanding of this young man that makes Krakauer's writing so absorbing and moving.

Krakauer retraces McCandless' journey, interviewing many of those with whom he came into contact. What develops is a haunting, riveting account of McCandless' travels and travails, and the impact he had on those with whom he came into contact. Krakauer followed McCandless' last steps into the Alaskan wilderness, so that he could see for himself how McCandless had lived, and how he had died. This book is his epitaph.

"In Search of Gold" is a plainly written tale of a Minnesota pharmacist who is lured to the Copper River Valley of Alaska by the promise of gold. His dream is to eventually take his sour-faced wife to Paris and live happily ever after on his findings. But he was lucky to survive Alaska's Copper River Gold Rush of 1898. For one thing, there wasn't any gold. And the hardships of a totally unknown wilderness were almost enough to kill him. In 1898, many writers wrote in a flowery style that's hard to decipher nowadays. But Horace Conger is wonderfully concrete. This book was put together by his descendents, and is a classic in Alaska Gold Rush history.

Dr.Joseph Teskey in his book on Tabanidae gives strong descriptive drawings and instructions for identification of tabanidae in Alaska;allowing the scientist to notice or create statistical studies on variation and evolution of species

The novel, The Inside Passage is a classic. The book is as original as they come. It is a story about what life is really about. It takes you deep into a number of characters ordinary lives, and lets you see and feel what they experienced in Wrangell, Alaska during the 1940's. Too many modern books stray from what is real. What can truly happen in real everyday life, is filled in this American masterpiece. This book includes a beautiful love story, tragedies, gambling, fishing and hunting, learning the lessons of our complex and fragile lives, drinking, and living life the way each of us individually decide how it should be. This is perhaps the greatest book I have ever read. It helps you see your present lifestyle in a different light. A better, clearer light that shines all the time you are willing to let it help you in your walk of life. Everyone is confused with what life is all about, this helps you understand the people around you and their reasoning for making decisions you might disagree with. We all are trying to not just survive, but to have a good worthwile time doing it. I don't know how to make this book look appealing enough to try. But believe me you will not regret getting a hold of this book and holding on for the relaxed yet exasperating ride it has to offer. It will undoubtedly open your eyes and mind, making it easier for you to get through the repetitous, routine, everyday situations. Live your life with showing you have life in you, and become a happier person. Life is to short to be unhappy. Live everyday the way you truly feel it should be. And have deep, surpising, dreams you never knew you had in you. Your imagination can take you as far as you let it. Let yourself go for it, and see the everday life around you differently in your new way of looking at things.

Insight Guides Alaska is a wonderful book to own if you're dreaming of or are about to visit America's "Final Frontier". Covering Alaska from the Panhandle to the Arctic...from The Interior to the Aleutian Islands. In this book you will find interesting facts on Alaska's history and view beautiful color pictures--which more than convince you to see this place someday.

This book covers the major "cities" of Alaska...and offers a quiet retreat. While I read it I listened to some peaceful music--as if I was on a vacation.

This is a book well written by a very knowledgeable individual. In the introduction Troyer states.."the major goal of this book- to provide biological information without losing readers in scientific jargon". He has succeeded in this goal. In the end he comments that viewing the remnants of these animal populations in zoos or fenced enclosures is not good enough for him. I agree. I have watched and photographed many brown bears since reading this book and have a greater understanding of and appreciation for them. If you have never seen or don't even want to see a brown bear this is a good read.

The Jeff Corwin Experience from Blackbirch Press and Thomas Learning is a new series of nature books, long awaited by the young fans of the TV's crazy snake hunter Jeff Corwin, who is so popular on Animal Planet, Discovery, and The Learning Channel. In the introduction Jeff tells young readers,"I don't need to go (that) far to see amazing wildlife up close...you can still experience the awesome beauty of nature almost anwhere you go, any day of the week. The books in the new series for elementary age readers are 46 pages and loaded with full color photographs and Jeff's enthusiastic words telling about whatever place he is examining in each volume. Each has a very helpful glossary at the end to explain the terms he uses in explaining and teaching his readers. The series includes Snaketacular, which is about Jeff's passion and favorite species. There will be a book on each state, introducing kids to the natural wonders of plants and animals within or unique to that state. We selected Alaska, Arizona, Louisiana, California, and Florida and found each to be equally exciting and informative. Although the format and layout is the same for each, the facts and ****** are completely unique in each. This is an excellent series to gift your school library or your children! And be sure to take these along on trips to enhance your learning and fun for the entire family. Adults will learn as much as the kids!

Prospecting

Identification of Minerals

General Geology & Map Reading

Map Reading & Local Geology

Rocks & Rock Structure

Ore Deposits

Lode Prospecting and Sampling

Placer Prospecting and Sampling

Geophysical Prospecting

Geochemical Prospecting

Small Scale Lode Mine Development

Small Scale Placer Mining Methods

Mining Law

Mine Promotion & Mineral Markets

Sight ID of Minerals

Lessons / Contents:

Prospecting

Identification of Minerals

General Geology & Map Reading

Map Reading & Local Geology

Rocks & Rock Structure

Ore Deposits

Lode Prospecting and Sampling

Placer Prospecting and Sampling

Geophysical Prospecting

Geochemical Prospecting

Small Scale Lode Mine Developemnt

Small Scale Placer Mining Methods

Mining Law

Mine Promotion & Mineral Markets

Sight ID of Minerals