Alaska Books

I would read anything that Wayne Sort wrote but this is still a very good read. It is in the same style as his other writtings and anyone who has read any of his books will enjoy this.

Everyone experinces in their life moments of truth. It is in these times we come to understand and realize the ultimate reality and grounding for ourselves and everything around us. Though not very long, Merton's journal entries spill out the sacramental truth he saw in Alaska. God spoke to Merton through everything around him during his stay in Alaska - the people, trees, water, mountains, etc. And in turn it pours back out of Merton in his talks and conferences. Very few things in this world we can be sure of. But the truth is never wrong and never changes - this book reveals a little slice of the Great Center which we all seek to draw near to.

THIS IS A MUST READ FOR WWII FANS. IT SEEMS PEOPLE HAVE FORGOTTON THE BATTLES THAT TOOK PLACE ON AMERICA SOIL DURING WWII. READ AND ENJOY

This is an amazing book on public health of Native Americans which nobody else but a Native American could have written. It introduces the reader to the complexity of health, environment, spirituality and survival of one of the most disadvanted people living on Mother Earth. Breast cancer among women, we assume, is a lifestyle disease among affluent westernized women. Lori Colomeda tells a different, a frightening story from the Arctic Circle. Remember? Fresh, clean air, fresh water, fresh seafood? Forget about it. Colomeda leads you into an area of human and medical ecology you wouldn't have thought it existed. The Circumpolar regions are currently the regions of the world with one of the highest prevalences of cancer, and of breast cancer among women in particular. Why? Well, one of the causes is the fallout of pollution hitting these areas via climate and atmospheric streams. We may not inhale the pollutants in New York City or London, because they travel up North. "Through the Northern Looking Glass" leaves us pretty ugly people destroying the fundaments of our life and most of all: Mother Earth. This is an excellent study on environment, public health and culture. If you only want to read one book shaking up your westernized mind as regards public health, why don't you try Lori Colomeda. This is strong medicine.

Something has been missing from contemporary literature for a long time: a good story without the "f" word. An engrossing adventure set in the not-to-distant future, "To Take A Stand" challenges the reader to really think about the environmental and ethical dilemmas that permeate our society today. Ms. Allee spins a tale with great imagination and compassion. The language is rich and colorful and the mixture of action, romance, and suspense leaves you wanting more.

Excellent piece of work, this addition actually includes journal entries for Arthur Krause's treks up the Chilkat and Dyea (Taiya River) valleys, something the earlier additions lack. Arthur, unknown to many historians, was the first white man to write and describe the Taiya River (AKA. Chilkoot, Dyea) valley, which is now a national park. Anyone doing work on the Chilkoot Trail will find his Pre-Rush descriptions of his route up the valley and the natural history of the valley invaluable. Nice work. I do wonder however, if there is not more to his journal entries that has not been included in this addition? Also, some translational errors may have occurred, as the narratives don't alwats seem to make sense in following his route. Moreover, this work was translated from an unusual deutscher field shorthand, to german proper, to english. Neverthless, an excellent addition to the early Pre-Goldrush history of Southeast Alaska. Kudos.

SL Ferreira

Not only is the photography fantastic but this book contains a lot of good information for those seeking an Alaska fishing adventure. The best of its type by far!

This is a great book, albeit a very unconventional one. It provides a history of the climbs done in the Tordrillo range of Alaska, of peaks such as Mt. Spurr (a very active volcano), Torbert, Gerdine and Nagishlamina. Also included are valuable tips for climbers, a fascinating history of early explorers of the region, and an account of how the mountains and glaciers acquired their names. There are interesting biographical sketches of the climbers; the reader will end up feeling that he knows them well. The photographs, some of which are in color, are stunning. One shows a twin-engine Piper that landed on the shoulder of Mt. Gerdine, on a 60 degree slope, its tail dangling over a 2000-foot drop to a lower glacier. The plane's perch was considered too precarious for a rescue attempt, and the pilot and two passengers perished. There are many other stories of harrowing adventures and some tragedies. The book is extremely well written, and will be of interest to the general reader as well as climbers.

This book is based on the letters & diaries of Alaska Master Guide Clement (Bud) Conkle. While on extended hunts, he regularly wrote letters to his wife, Lenora, detailing his adventures. He also had a great volume of correspondence with prospective hunters, as well as with clients he had guided. These stories span from the 1940s through his death in 1985.

Author DonMcCune retraced the Klondike Gold Rush trail and wrote this excellent now-and-then book about what he found, and also about what happened during that now-famous gold rush. The book contains many excellent reproductions of photographs taken by the famous Klondike gold rush photographer Eric A. Hegg.

On the pages opposing the Hegg photos are photos taken when McCune retraced the route, and at the same places as the Hegg photos, providing an interesting now-and-then contrast. The photos and McCune's unique writing style makes this a great read.