Northwest Books

Like the other Rick Harbo books on marine life, this one is filled with beautiful and informative photos of the organisms. I recommend this book highly.

Similar to his previous book, but more inclusive. Only wish he would also rate these for the suitability of camping.

Parks and Plates: The Geology of Our National Parks, Monuments and Seashores clearly and concisely describes the geological processes which formed the most spectacular, familiar and beloved landscapes in America. Balancing the fast-moving text are richly illustrated explanations of geological ideas and terminology and helpful color photographs depicting specific examples. The author identifies which parks reflect which geological forces leaving the reader with a desire to pack up and visit each park.

This is the best detailed refrence of the history of settlement in the last frontier. The architectural and cultural historical value is unprecidented. The detail oriented Jusuites have left a first rate journal. A rare find indeed.

Business historian Mansel Blackford does a fine job in highlighting several key environmental issues concerning U.S. development in the region known as the "Pacific Rim." As Blackford himself points out in his conclusion, there have been many environmental studies done on particular issues in the Pacific. Many of these have tended to be highly detailed and technical, and therefore not acessible to the general public. One of the positive aspects of this book is that it is highly readable, quite a feat when considering the complex issues Blackford tackles in his book.

I found Blackford's chapter on the island of Guam particularly fascinating. Here, Blackford focuses on three important issues: the controversy over the U.S. Navy's decision in the early 1970s to build an ammunition wharf at Sella Bay, efforts by the Federal Government to establish two national parks during the same period, and the devestating enviromental impact of the brown tree snake. Blackford ultimately argues that the Navy was forced to incorporate political, cultural, and environmental concerns into a compromise package that spared Sella Bay, and which helped spur the development of tourism on Guam.

I also found Blackford's analysis of legislator and Chamorro rights activist Paul Bordallo surprisingly nuanced and incisive. Blackford largely avoids the binary trap of "government" versus "natives" by illustrating the opposition Bordallo faced from Chamorros and local residents, as well as U.S. Navy and Federal officials, in fighting to stop development at Sella Bay. Guam government officials and businessmen saw a good deal in exchanging Sella Bay with the Navy for greater civillian access to port facilities in Apra Harbor. Bordallo disagreed, arguing that Sella Bay's pristine environment must be preserved for future generations of Chamorros, local residents, and tourists to enjoy. Bordallo's vision, with the support of fifteen thousand signatures from local residents, ultimately prevailed, and one of Guam's most scenic locations was spared from becoming an ammunition wharf.

Overall, "Pathways to the Present" is a well-written examination of several cases of U.S. development in the Pacific Rim. Blackford does an excellent job in including both the "big picture" issues and the smaller "pictures" of indigeneous peoples, local residents, and individuals. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone familiar or unfamiliar with U.S.-Pacific history.

The Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA) is one of the largest and oldest writers organizes in the United States. Compiled and edited by Nigel Loring, The Pen And The Key: 50th Anniversary Anthology Of Pacific Northwest Writers is a compendium of short stories, nonfiction, and poetry drawn from twenty-four contributors who participated in this acclaimed organization's conferences and contests in celebration of PNWA's fiftieth anniversary. From J. A. Jance's "Signore Bianco", to Kay Kenyon's "The Loyal Order of Beasts", to Kathleen Alcala's "Cities of Gold", to Stephen John Walker's "The Yoke", this is an impressive collection of genuine literary gems. Of special note is the section dedicated to "Writing About Writing" which consists of Marvin Bell's "The Case for the Arts and Humanities", Terry Brooks' "Facing Down the Monster", Elizabeth George's "Born to Write?", Mark Lindquist's "Bridget's Kitchen", and Bharti Kirchner's "The Kettle Boils--Out Pours A Novel". The Pen And The Key is a welcome showcase of first class literary talent and a highly recommended read for those who appreciate the craft of well honed writing.

Never before have I read a more well researched, well written, or more complete text on this essential event in our nation's history. The author is to be lauded for this truly amazing and inspiring work. I only wish i could meet the man himself.

These 2 men have guided over 1000 sportsmen in big game hunts in Alaska since 1949. Their clients have accounted for one-third of all Kodiak Brown Bear listed in the Boone & Crockett Records of North American Big Game...no other guide's in Alaska's history have ever matched this record-book success and probably none ever will.

The rigors of nature, the excitement of the stalk, and the total thrill of the hunt are recorded in this book. They are not tales of simply killing a huge Brown Bear, but contain the very essence of outdoor life as these guides have known it for over 50 years.

An excellent title, highly recommended for any in-depth gardening library, Susan Hill and Susan Narizny's The Planet Locator Western Region lists over 50,000 plants and nurseries which carry them. The Plant Locator is the third updated edition and has been vastly expanded and updated with nursery listings in 14 western States - including Hawaii and British Columbia.

I bought this book 3 years ago and totally love it.The plant info and the photographs are beautiful. A lot of the info comes from Natives and give the readers information on what the plants can be used for like remedies for toothaches etc. The photographs, over 1000 of them, are all done in colour and are absolutely beautiful. I would have paid 3 times the amount for this book. A must for the outdoorsman.