Master storyteller James Michener reveals Alaska in all its awesome, sweeping majesty. From the near-forgotten past, to the highly technological present, from self-defense to self-determination, here are the men and women who tried to tame the land, seize its bounty, and lay claim to the elusive spirit that holds native and visitor spellbound. A stirring portrait of a human community living on the edge of the world, ALASKA claims a bold heritage of survival against all odds.
"Michener has done a fine job....Few will escape the allure of the land and people he describes."
LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK REVEIW
The exciting high points in the story of Alaska since the American acquisition are brought vividly to life through real and fictional characters.
“Always the master of exhaustive historical research, Michener tracks the settling of Alaska [in] vividly detailed scenes and well-developed characters.”
—Boston Herald
Anonymous
Posted November 29, 2000
I loved this book - if only I had read it before I visited Alaska. Even after, it provided extraordinary insights and added immeasurably to my Alaska experience. It allowed me to feel and more fully understand,especially, the ordeal of the Gold Rush. While reading, I kept thinking 'I was there! I saw that!' A beautifully told story, as well, with characters that were alive for me. As in 'Centennial,' I even had feelings for the prehistoric animals!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 23, 1999
Michener can write 1000+ pages and keep the book riveting the entire way through. His characters all have passions and dreams, they are not just drifting aimlessly through their lives. The natural scenery is also very vivid in Michener's books. Attention is also given to political, social, and ecological issues. Much to his credit, Michener does not use his book as a pulpit to spew out his own opinions. He writes as a journalist, telling things the way they are and letting the readers form their own conclusions.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 17, 2010
I told a friend of mine that my husband and I were going on a cruise to Alaska and so she suggested that "Alaska" would be a good book to read before making the trip. And she was right! Although I would have loved the book even if I were not traveling there, it really gave a wonderful history of Alaska which was so helpful while touring this part of our country.
It is a wonderful book!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 14, 2000
Having just returned from a two week trip to Alaska, reading Michener's novel enriched the fantastic experience I had travelling (from Seward north to Barrow) in our 49th state. His description of the school in the North Slope was right on the money, my having spent time in Barrow with a teacher from there. Overall, from page one through 1000+, I have never enjoyed reading a book more that I did Alaska.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 14, 2009
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Posted November 24, 2011
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Posted August 1, 2010
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Posted April 28, 2009
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Posted March 6, 2010
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Posted February 6, 2009
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Posted February 15, 2009
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Overview
Master storyteller James Michener reveals Alaska in all its awesome, sweeping majesty. From the near-forgotten past, to the highly technological present, from self-defense to self-determination, here are the men and women who tried to tame the land, seize its bounty, and lay claim to the elusive spirit that holds native and visitor spellbound. A stirring portrait of a human community living on the edge of the world, ALASKA claims a bold heritage of survival against all odds.
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