Idaho Books

As a lobbyist and consultant in Idaho as well as a life long resident I enjoy reading and learning about political and historical perspectives as they relate to Idaho. "Governing Idaho" has been very enlightening. The fact that Weatherby and Stapilus tie Idaho politics into the national scene at any given time provides real perspective. I would recomend this book to anyone interested in Idaho history and politics.

Winston Inouye
e-mail; Winouye@pmt.org

Smylie represents a down to earth cross section of the good ole boy football playing mentality of the local politics. The Power, Lumber and Mining interests that really control the state allow folks like Andrus to do as they please as long as they don't get in the way. It will be very interesting to see how he contrasts with Cosmopolitian Dirk Kempthorne over the next term. Definitely a read for anyone interested in Idaho Politics.

Bill Mason's No Nonsense Guide To Fly Fishing In Idaho is a slender but invaluable compendium of useful, descriptive information on some of Idaho's best streams and lakes for fly fishing. With Mason's detailed, hand-drawn maps and annotations, anyone can plan their next Idaho bound fishing excursion with confidence. This superbly presented, "user friendly" guide covers the Salmon River, Silver Creek, Henry's Fork, The Teton, Kelly Creek, the Clearwater, the Big Wood, the South Fork of the Boise, the South Fork of the Snake, high mountain lakes, and more! If you are planning a fishing trip anywhere in Idaho, begin with Bill Mason's No Nonsense Guide To Fly Fishing In Idaho!

Most of this book is interestingly mostly to literary historians or really-dedicated Oregonians. Mr. Davis was a character in his own right, but for most I don't recommend his essays and imaginative, fact-bending "non-fiction" portrayals of Oregon.

However, buy the book for three pieces of short fiction, one of which is perhaps my favorite short story of all, beating out some pretty stout competition from Albert Camus and James Joyce.

The third best story is "Open Winter", a richly-described opportunity to experience youth and mentoring through the lens of a just-beginning sheep-driver in the early 1900's. It's mildly profound but sweet reading.

The second best story is "Old Man Isbell's Wife". It's a humorous ode to the passing of the old west and the old-timers that peopled it. It works at the superficial level of humorous satire, at a slightly deeper level of social satire, and is best at extolling some values of genuineness, compassion, and vigorous living.

The real gem is "The Homestead Orchard." This beautifully crafted masterpiece is, in my opinion, the best work to come from this Pulitzer-prizewinning writer. It is at once hilarious, beautiful, exciting, and stunningly profound. I get misty-eyed every time I reread it. The final three-line paragraph clicks home oh so softly and simply. Why, oh why did he only write three short stories?

"The Kettle of Fire", while fictional, isn't really a short story but an original "legend". It's okay, but disappointing after some of the rest.

Davis fans will find his traits demonstrated: long sentences, rich descriptions of nature--both the beautiful and the blighted, minor characters that are humorous caricatures, and rich descriptions of place and history.

This is a little-known and under-appreciated author whose works are not of even quality. Following is my list of his works that I've read, in order of my esteem from highest to lowest.

1. The Homestead Orchard--Humorous, sad, joyous, beautifully crafted short story about a father and son.
2. Winds Of Morning--novel of a junior-grade lawman
3. Old Man Isbell's Wife--Humorous short story
4. The Distant Music--reminiscent, a little, of East of Eden
5. Open Winter--sheepherding story
6. Beulah Land--epic novel of pioneers
7. All of Davis's essays
8. The Kettle of Fire--a fictional legend
9. Honey in the Horn--spare yourself! Overlong, random, Pulitzer-prize winning, historically inaccurate, pointless

This book had personal meaning for me as it is the story of my great aunt. Growing up I had always heard about my family's trips to Idaho to see Frances. I laid in bed as a child as my grandfather told me stories about hunting bear with Frances and the great times they had. My eyes were filled with wonderment, much as they were after I read this book. It is a true story and I'm proud to say that she was a relative of mine. To read all of the different tales I had heard growing up put together in one book was great. I have lent my autographed copy to many people and all have enjoyed it as much as I did. It truly is a wonderful story.

I have read this book more than once and highly reccomend it to anyone hungry for a refreshing book! It's written with great taste and will truly make you laugh out loud. The experinces are real and you can easily picture them in your mind. The main character is like your brother or like a friend the whole way threw. It's like a good buddy telling you of his experinces. It easy to read and a whole lot of fun

The guide provides excellent trail information for novice and experienced hikers embarking on a day trip or longdistance excursion. The book rates each hike, offers a trail map, and gives directions for getting there. Seventy-four trails are listed, grouped by geographic location. Includes hiker's checklist, glossary, rules for low-impact wilderness recreation. I recommend both the book and the trails.

Mort Arkava's "Hiking the Bitterroots" is a definite winner with "rec heads" locally and otherwise.

His book leads you to the trailheads of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness of Montana and Idaho with it's pristine forests, rushing creeks, alpine meadows and towering peaks.

Each of the 41 hikes varies in length as well as endurance. Each hike's description is accurate as well as descriptive and detailed. Mort provides you with trailhead directions, trail descriptions and sketch maps. You know that Arkava has hiked every trail more than once.

He has made it easy for beginners and experts alike to get out there and explore. So let's go! Let's get out there! And don't forget your moleskin, your extra pair of socks and of course, "Hiking the Bitterroots" by Mort Arkava.

Bluestein creates wonderful hiking guides, full of useful information and details about the hikes so you will be prepared. He includes detailed maps and pictures of the areas. He gives the level of difficulty, length of the hikes, and which maps you will need. This book contains hikes in the West Central area of Idaho, in the Mountain ranges North of Boise. There are none listed South of Boise.

Tressa spent a lot of time compiling information for this book. She has compilied information for two other hard bound books about hers and her husbands personal family history, each about 750 pages of stories, pistures, family history, and memories.