Idaho Books

Madsen has done the landmark book for western history afficionados, as well as for historians who want to delve into documentation on the Bear River Massacre.
His impeccable research, with enough depth for scholars,seemingly has a view towards the eye of the average reader as well.

Anyone who wants a feel for this tragic chapter in Native History, with plenty of heavily footnoted documentation, will find Madsens book a great addition to their research library.
I recommend it highly!

Rebekah Fawn Cochran- AUTHOR- Echoes of a Silent River

Im Ms. Holden-Bussard's hairstylist. To be very honest, I bought her
book out of loyalty. I knew I would need to read it before her next
appointment, so I set aside a time, on a very, very busy day, with
lots of stops and waiting periods in between, while in town, to read
her book. My first stop was tune-up and oil change, good, at least an
hour or more to start reading this book. My car was finished, I
continued reading the book for more than an hour, at the tune-up
center. I made a crucial decision---cancell all the other business for
the day--go home--READ THIS BOOK!! I did, came home, got comfortable
and did not do a single thing but FINISH reading this book!! I simply
couldn't wait to see what happened next. I came sooooooo close to
calling Ms. Holden-Bussard at 2:30 in the morning when I finished
it--I simply had to share my feelings with her!! I was overwhelmed by
the beauty, the adventure, the mystery, the excitement-the romance,
suspense, intrigue--the easy to read format that Ms. Holden-Bussard
uses. It literally held me in its beauty, its grace and heart-felt
simplicity! I cannot reccommend this book enough. I have since
purchased several copies to give to friends and family--NO, I will not
loan out my autographed copy--it has become an essential part of the
energy of my home! I have only one more comment: Ms. Holden-Bussard,
will there be more?? Please!! I remember you sharing some of the
frustrations and challenges of getting this book published--but the
selfish part of me says--Skinny Scottie was worth it--I WANT MORE!!!!!

This is my favorite of Carol Ririe Brink's books; followed closely by Buffalo Coat. Her style is compeling; her characters so interesting the well developed that you miss them when you have finished reading the book. As well as being a great character study, Snow in the River also provides a facinating glimpse into the expansion of the western United States and its effects on those who lived it. Snow in the River is on my top 10 list; a definate must read.

This book not only captivates you with the magnificent pictures of Idaho, but entertains you with stories--both past and present--of a wonderful state. Anyone who wants a personal tour guide of Idaho should own this book.

I thought this was a lovely book, an intriguing story of two kinds of Mormon faith (one devout, the other not so devout), and the struggles that the characters face in making their way as a family and as individuals in both their small Mormon community and in the greater world. It is an inside view into Mormonism, the people, and a time when Mormonism was just about to emerge on to the larger scene. (It is a look back in time to when the Mormon Church had not yet made worldwide impact, back when it was more of just a regional force in the Intermountain West.) It chronicles the life of Harriet, a young widow and committed member of the church, who marries Hank, a young widower who is not a true believer and who was never quite comfortable in the formal religion. Even so, Harriet and Hank work together to raise their three sons who face their own unique challenges. For those outside the faith, this is a nice introduction to real figures in Mormonism. For those who are in the faith, this book will feel "real," an account of everyday people. I felt as if I had met people just like the characters in this book. I highly recommend this book.

If you want to look into the history of steamboats in Idaho, this is a good place to start.
The author shares her knowledge of the paddlewheel steamboat era in her state.
Includes numerous photos.

This is a new guidebook for Sun Valley that just came out. I love the area and purchased an advance copy just to read up on the area. Well, well, well, kudos to Mr. McRoberts and his detail in writing about the area. Very comprehensive, detailed and fun...everywhere!

Teton Skiing is a phenomenal book written eloquently and comically from the perspective of a mountaineer (Tom Turiano) who has climbed and skiied nearly every peak in the range. The book is perfect for someone thinking about a trip to the Tetons in order to gain more insight into the history that made it the touring site it is today, as well as, a guide to help in planning your trip. It is also a great book for anyone interested in history and/or the outdoors in general. Although it is partly a guidebook, it was more intersting to me for its well researched and colorful history of this mythical wonder called the Tetons. If you haven't been to Wyoming's Tetons, this book will make you want to go. If you have been, it will drive you to return and discover things unseen. A book I treasure!

Roberta has a way on engulfing her readers into each novel she has written. I can hardly put her great books (5 of them) down and never want them to end. A great read and a must read for any Idahoan. A true talent and skilled pioneer granddaughter!

George W. Wingate was a man in full for his time. With his Civil War compatriot Col. William C. Church, Wingate published the first manual on rifle marksmanship in 1870. The following year the pair established the National Rifle Association.

In 1885, Wingate's concern for the health of his 17-year old daughter and his sense of adventure led him, his wife and their eldest daughter, May, to plan a horseback trip through Yellowstone National Park. Doctors believed the trip would improve May's health. It did.

The Wingates rode 460 miles in just 26 days, returning to New York City bedazzled by the park and in fine spirits.

Wingate's book, Through the Yellowstone Park on Horseback, provides a faithful and fascinating account of early tourist travel. The University of Idaho Press provides a service by republishing the book and reminding us of Yellowstone's marvelous history.

Wingate was also a faithful observer. He provided fine sketches of Western culture, from an Army fort past its prime, to profiles of those he hired to guide his family through the park. Hunters and anglers will enjoy his accounts of adventures during the journey.

The book offers a valuable perspective for those who have visited the park. It also may spur readers who love historical books to visit Yellowstone.