Product Description
Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Public Libraries in Alaska, John Trigg Ester Library, Noel Wien Public Library, Homer Public Library, Haines Borough Public Library, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, Uaa/apu Consortium Library, Alaska Film Archives, Alaska State Library. Excerpt: The John Trigg Ester Library is a small membership library, located in Ester in the U.S. state of Alaska, held by the Ester Community Association until fall 2009, when the library applied for separate nonprofit status. It was founded in the summer of 1999 and has developed its collection almost exclusively from donated and found books, videos, DVDs, and audio books. As a result, the collection is eclectic, reflecting the reading habits of members of the community. The family of John Trigg has been a major donor both in books and funds. Much of the library's collection of science, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery titles were originally from Trigg's private library or donated by his family. The library has approximately 5,000 volumes in its collections, and is constructing a new library building. Library membership is dues-based, with most members coming from the Ester area; dues are $5 per year. The library is staffed by a small group of volunteers. An annual fundraiser held in March or April, the Library Lallapalooza and Book Bash, earns income for supplies, rent, and for a building (currently in the planning stages). A second fundraiser, the LiBerry Music Festival, is held in the fall to raise money for heating fuel and other expenses, while a third fundraiser, Readers on the Run, a 5-kilometer footrace, is dedicated to construction expenses for the new building. The library is housed in a rented room in a building in the center of the village and has a cold-storage annex for donated books. An asso... More: http://booksllc.net/?id=4413888 ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subtitle: A Popular Account of the Travels of the Alaska Exploring Expedition of 1883, Along the Great Yukon River, From Its Source to Its Mouth, in the British North-West Territory, and in the Territory of Alaska; Original Published by: Cassell in 1885 in 375 pages; Subjects: Yukon River and Valley; Alaska; United States; Discoveries in geography; Yukon River Valley (Yukon and Alaska); Yukon River (Yukon and Alaska); Yukon Territory; Yukon river and valley; Biography & Autobiography / Adventurers & Explorers; History / Canada / General; History / Canada / Post-Confederation (1867-); History / Expeditions & Discoveries; Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Exploration & Discovery; Travel / United States / General; Travel / United States / West / Pacific; ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

The Classic Travelogue Narrative of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Debbie Miller moved from California to become a schoolteacher in Arctic Village. From there, she took numerous treks into the Refuge. This book captures her experiences and impressions.

Debbie is a graceful writer who weaves a story well. Occasionally she gets a little preachy about the need to protect the Refuge from development, but for the most part her writing is informative, entertaining and entirely readable. I found the last chapter absolutely gripping as she describes taking her toddler to camp in the Refuge. As a parent of young kids, I cannot possibly imagine this--it's hard enough to travel there as an adult without kids, but bringing a kid just seems overwhelming. But her stories, especially the interaction between her daughter and a wolf, were moving and emotional.

The book did a great job giving me a preview of life as a visitor to the Refuge. This is the seminal book about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, written before the Refuge was "cool," and it is the template for all of the books that follow it. If you're going to read only one book before going to the Refuge, this is the one. Strongly recommended.

a passionate plea for wilderness preservation of the ANWR
The book jacket states the book is a passionate and vivid account of her trips into the ANWR, and it certainly is that.Having been in many of the same places, and even flown with some of the same people, I can make an immediate connection with her book.This book is a first person account, not a naturalist documentation.Some of her trials and tribulations make for very interesting reading, and makes one glad sometimes that they did not have to trek in some of the places.Her account of some of her hiking in the rugged Romanzof mountains sent chills up my spine.A weakness perhaps is after almost each description, she states what is at risk by allowing drilling.Sometimes that gets in the way of the journey.However, the last section of the book outlines the history of the preservation attempts, and the very real dangers of oil development to such an unspoiled wilderness.This book is a personal account and not a detail as to the intricate inter-relationships among the flora and fauna, and it was not meant to be.I enjoyed the book for what it is, and that is a personal story.I wished she had described in a bit more detail her time in the arctic when the colors started to appear as fall approached.Having been along the Jago River in the 1002 lands at the height of the fall colors, it is something that cannot be imagined in advance.One can never believe such a landscape of apparent green can take on so many colors.A perfect companion book to this would be that of E. C. Pielou, A Naturalists Guide to the Arctic.With Pielou's book, one can gain a fuller understanding of the tricks of light in the arctic, and the interdependency of the animals with the plantlife.Oil company executives will not like this book.Most others will enjoy reading her accounts.

A Remarkable Journey into ANWR
I love Debbie Miller's book Midnight Wilderness about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.Her journal writings, with detailed land references, eloquently paint a portrait of this pristine area and how unique and beautiful this remote land is. I enjoyed reading about all the animals and birds that live and migrate there every year, and about the people who depend on this area. This book educates us on the oil development controversy and why it is vital we continue to fight in protecting this special land for now and future generations. This book is truly the ultimate reference book for the Arctic Refuge and I highly recommend it to all.

Superb Account of Wilderness Adventure
Debbie Miller draws from her journal and from her heart as she recounts her explorations of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the last great wilderness area left in the United States.Few people have actually stepped foot on this northeast corner of Alaska, but by reading the words of Miller, one can be transported to this rare and magical place.The book, written primarily during the 1980s and updated in the current edition, is informative and inspiring.She effectively intersperses relevant historical and scientific facts with her own personal observations and love for the region.

Awe-inspiring account of America's Far North
I have just read Midnight Wilderness and found it to be a compelling account of the mystery and majesty of America's Far North. The authors transports the reader to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge enabling our mind's eye to experience vicariously the splendor of its fauna and flora. As I put this book down, I see the awesome Porcupine Caribou herd thundering across the summertime coastal plain, semipalmated sandpipers, musk-oxen, Dall sheep, wolves, Pacific loons, Lapland longspurs, snowy owls, tundra swans, and arctic foxes. Now more clearly than ever before I see the connections between and among the Arctic's wild and pristine physical and living communities. And, I feel compelled as never before to add my voice to those of the many others who understand why this awe-inspiring wilderness that is unequalled anywhere else on earth should be protected and preserved for future generations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Amazing, rare book about hunting the last frontier...
This book is an excellent depiction of hunting bears in Alaska at the turn of the 20th century.Wonderfully narrated. ... Read more

Product Description
For more than 80 years, bush pilots have carried supplies, delivered mail, and transported emergency personnel over Alaska's rugged terrain. They've flown with felons handcuffed to the seat, with corpses strapped to the wing, and with drugged polar bears sleeping in the cargo compartment. Ever since aviation came to Alaska planes have been far more important than cars or truck to the residents of the far-flung bush communities.

In Cowboys of the Sky: The Story of Alaska's Bush Pilots, humorist and historian Steven C. Levi takes you on a wild ride through the heyday of aviation in Alaska, from the golden years, before federal regulations curbed the more dangerous and outlandish flying practices, all the way to the present. Through photographs and anecdotes, you'll meet brave and colorful pilots, the true cowboys of the sky who carved the face of America's Last Frontier. ... Read more

Product Description
Libby Riddles wanted an adventure. At the age of 16 she left home for the snowy frontiers of Alaska, the Last Frontier. There her love of animals drew her to the sport of sled dog racing. When she entered the Iditarod, the famous marathon from Anchorage to Nome, she was just another Iditarod Nobody. Twelve hundred miles later, having conquered blizzards, extreme cold, and exhaustion, she and her dogs crossed the final stretch of sea ice, miles ahead of the nearest competitor...and suddenly she realised: I will be the first woman to win the Iditarod. This is the story of a courageous woman and her heroic dogs. This is the story of Libby Riddles's adventure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Gee (Right) On, Libby!
Libby Riddles is the first woman to win the Iditarod sled dog race in 1985.This is her race autobiography.Thru her retelling of the tale, readers learn about the race, the dogs, the weather, and all the little hardships that go along with the Iditarod trail.From an old washing machine in the middle of the trail, moose carcasses, negative 52 degree weather, broken sleds, doggy frostbite, dogs in heat, and even bootie piracy(I mean dog booties), Libby experiences a lot of bad luck and not only lives to tell, but crosses the finish line first, two and a half hours before anyone else.

It was actually her braving a nasty storm and the Northern Winds that got her ahead.She was the only one to dare it and it worked.Wow.Pretty amazing.Libby gives most of the credit to her dogs tho.I really liked learning about the dogs and their different personalities and how she determined who goes where in the line up.

It fails to hit the five star mark due to layout issues more than writing.It is done in a "newspaper" column like format and most of the time, half the page (the inner column) is a complete blank.It makes the book appear twice as long as it is.I wouldn't have minded so much if they had filled in the blank spaces with pictures.Preferrably dog pictures or the pictures that Libby says she took.(Where are the waterfall pictures???)

Nevertheless, a fun and educational read.Gee (Right) on, Libby!

Race Across Alaska
Really interesting book for those who love real life adventures and/or animals. The reader really gets a feel for what the racers go through while on the trail. I actually had a chance to meet the author last year. She had plenty of great stories to tell about her life with her dogs in Alaska.

Exciting and Hysterical Read
I loved this book!Every chapter being the description of one leg of the Iditarod Race, Libby Riddles brings the reader along for a roller coaster ride of excitement, emotion, and a love of dogs.After every chapter I would have to describe in detail what happened to my own dogs' grandparents and relay the anecdotes of her endearing (yet sometimes wild) sled dogs (we have two huskies as well, so I could relate tremendously).The book was really an insider's guide to the Iditarod and sled dog racing culture.I was in awe of how helpful and hospitable the residents of Alaska were towards the racers and their dogs, as well as how helpful the racers were to one another.As soon as I finished it, I wanted to read it again! (And probably will within a year)

an inspiring book
i found this book an amazing story about a womens courage to do something not many women did. do the iditerod. i think that her courage shows through and shows men that girls are just as powerful as they are. even today the world see's women as delicte people who need to be taken care of. but no we are we are strong and powerful and when i read this book i read that message loud and clear.
miss riddles stood out in my mind. i was truly sad to hear of her death. it would have been my dream to meet her and her dogs. when she realized she was going to win i felt excited for her victory and her strentgh. when she died the world lost one amazing women. may she rest in peace.

Race Across Alaska: First Woman to Win he Iditarod
Libby Riddlesbrings you on the Iditarod trail with her.You will feel her cold, her fatigue and the fur of her dogs whom she loves above all.This is the ultimate armchair adventure. It's incredible top believe that people actually put themselves through this.A bonus feature of this book is the informaive sidebars.I recommend it with five stars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Resource!
My child has always loved Alaska. His first book fettish was "Oil Spill," about the Exxon-Valdez disaster. It was natural that he chose Alaska for research in grammar school This book was simple, too the point, and had full color pictures that added to his understanding. All the highlights were included that he needed - history, geography, people, flags, cultures,. . . Highly recommend for grade school students. ... Read more

Product Description
Created by local writers and photographers, Compass American Guides are the ultimate insider's guides, providing in-depth coverage of the history, culture and character of America's most spectacular destinations.Covering everything there is to see and do as well as choice lodging and dining, these gorgeous full-color guides are perfect for new and longtime residents as well as vacationers who want a deep understanding of the region they're visiting.

• Written and photographed by Alaska residents
  
• The best places to observe grizzlies, wolves, eagles, and whales
  
• Detailed color maps to all regions and cities
  
• Spectacular photography and archival paintings
  
• Literary excerpts from John Muir, Barry Lopez, Adolf Murie, Robert Service, and Nick Jans
  
• Essays on Eskimo art, climbing Mount McKinley, wolves, Alaskan politics, and Anchorage nightlife
  
• Cruises along the Inside Passage, glacier tours on Prince William Sound, and fishing expeditions

About the Photographer

After receiving a masters degree in fire ecology from UC Berkeley, Don Pitcher worked on wildlife projects in Wyoming, California, and Alaska.He went on to photograph Compass American Guide: Wyoming, and to write three other travel guides.His photographs have appeared in many books, magazines, posters, and other publications.Don bases his travels around Alaska and the world from his Anchorage home where he lives with his wife and daughter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best Alaska guidebook: gives history, culture, photos
This is the best guidebook I've seen about Alaska. Its an illustrated introduction that lures you into the wilds of Alaska with amazing, artistic photography. It provides background, history, insight, and discusses thingsto do that don't fit into the cookie-cutter format of other guidebookseries.

The photography is beautiful and artistic, printed in a formatjust large enough to give you some idea of the grandeur of Alaska withoutmaking the book too unwieldy to take along on your trip. Also included arehistorical drawings, sketches, and high-quality maps. Its humorous in parts(what is a "sourdough"?).

This book goes beyond the normalguidebook which might list town, lodging and restaurants. It starts offwith a fascinating history of the entire state, a discussion of the peopleof Alaska, the wildlife; then discusses four major areas of Alaska (andtheir history, people, etc.). It helps you get to know the state.

Thedescriptions of food, lodging and tours are adequate, but you may want tosupplement these listing with a AAA guidebook or travel agent. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes the geography, history, economy and industry, natural resources, arts and recreation, and people of the state of Alaska. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Introducing young students to the biggest state of them all
I believe I have flown over Alaska flying back from Japan to California, however I am not sure about it.However, I have not been to Alaska, which makes it the only one of the 50 states left for me to visit.On my honeymoon several years back I made a point of traveling through Maine and dipping into Rhode Island in driving from Boston to Hartford just to make it state number 49.My expectation is to do a cruise, because everybody I know who has taken a cruise to Alaska has raved about it, so I think that will be the way to go.In her introduction to this America the Beautiful Second Series volume, Donna Walsh Shepherd makes it clear that are plenty of reasons to visit even if it is not on your places-to-visit list.Chapter One, "Alaska--A Great Land," sets up the dichotomy that exist in the largest state (and second least populated), a land that has both temperate rain forests and frozen deserts.

The next three chapters of this volume look at the history of the place that was the first part of North America to be populated.Chapter Two, "Coming to the New Continent," starts 7,000 years ago when people first left their homes in Asia and walked east to Alaska, and ends with Seward's Folly as the United States bought Alaska for $7.2 million dollars (2 cents an acre) in 1867.Chapter Three, "From Gold to War," covers from the discovery of gold in 1848 to what happened in World War II in the north.Chapter Four, "North to the Future," starts with Alaska's statehood in 1959 as the 49th state and ends with the importance of the black gold of oil to Alaska.

The "Spectacular Nature" of Alaska's geography is covered in Chapter Five, focusing more on the parklands and animals than the six distinct regions.Chapter Six, "Cities, Towns, and Villages," contrasts life in the large cities of Alaska with that in the bush communities (Nome got its name because a British navy cartographer creating maps from ships' charts misread the handwriting that said "?name" to mean "Nome").Chapter Seven, "Government by the People," talks about what politics are like in a state where a few votes can decide an election.This is also where young students get to learn about the state symbols (the bowhead whale is the state marine mammal, but the state land mammal is the moose).If you cannot guess what the state sport is you are just not paying attention.

The economy of Alaska is covered in Chapter Eight, "Making a Living," which looks at the abundant natural resources and tourism (there is a list of the top-ten-most-visited places to help you plan ahead).You have to wait for this book's recipe until Chapter Nine, "Who Are Those Alaskans?"That would be citrus broiled Alaska salmon, which I am going to have to try (I poached salmon last month, I can handle this).Chapter Ten, "Alaskan Art and Alaskan Fun," starts with the idea that Mother Nature is the best artist in Alaska, but also covers native and winter art.Of course, the Iditarod shows up here as well.The back of the book has the expected Timeline, where U.S. and Alaska state history run in parallel columns, and the pages of Fast Facts with all sorts of statistics that young students can use researching the state. There are also lists of books, organizations, and Internet sites where students can go To Find Out More.

The American the Beautiful Second Series books are filled with color photographs of Alaska, original maps on things like topography and population density (by borough), and dozens of informative sidebars.These are always the treat in these books, and because there are not a lot of people up there in Alaska, Shepherd goes into some of them in some depth.There is a two-page spread on Alaska's current political leaders, whereas the life of a Salmon only gets a single page.But young readers will also find out about Gold Rush characters such as Klondike Kate, the Chilkoot Trail, Blue Babe the frozen steppe bison, and Jewel Kilcher.Teachers should take advantage of this series to have their students research the various states with an actual book (do they still do that?). ... Read more

Product Description
Examines the geography, history, culture, and people of Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Idaho. ... Read more

Product Description
Presents information about the state of Alaska, its nickname, motto, and emblems. ... Read more

Product Description
A brief introduction to the geography, history, natural resources, and people of Alaska. ... Read more