Arctic Village: A 1930's Portrait of Wiseman, Alaska

by Robert Marshall

Overview

This classic is an original work of literature by one of America's foremost conservationists and is an account of the people of the north, both Native and white, who give Alaska its special human flavor. First published over fifty years ago, the book is still a favorite among old-time Alaskans and, over the years, has prompted numerous readers to pack up and move to Alaska.

The richness of statistical coverage in this book, and Marshall's careful descriptions of the characters he met, provide readers with a window to the world of 1930 and a nearly complete record of the Koyukuk civilization as he saw it. Readers learn what the people of Wiseman thought about sex, religion, politics, and the myriad of ways they found to cope with and enjoy life in a wilderness community.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780912006512
Publisher:	University of Alaska Press
Publication date:	07/01/1991
Series:	Classic Reprint Series
Edition description:	1
Pages:	428
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Robert Marshall is well remembered for his contributions to wilderness preservation. A founder of the Wilderness Society in 1935, he carried forward John Muir’s battle for conservation. As with Muir, Marshall’s personal appeal and persuasive arguments reached beyond his immediate circle to gain adherents to the cause. He is considered the inspiration for the creation of Alaska’s eight-million-acre Gates of the Arctic National Park and the one-million-acre Bob Marshall Area in Montana. He is author of numerous influential essays and two books.

Table of Contents

Illustrations
Preface
Foreword
Acknowledgment
Introduction
 
PART I    THE BACKGROUND
PART II    THE PEOPLE
PART III    THE ECONOMIC LIFE
PART IV    THE COMMUNAL LIFE
PART V    THE SEXUAL LIFE
PART VI    THE RECREATIONAL LIFE
PART VII    KOYUKUK PHILOSOPHY
 
Conclusion
Appendix
General Index
Index of Koyukuk People

Editorial Reviews

"An enduring classic . . . that will win new fans for the author and enthusiasts for the places he loved."

Alaska Magazine

"Arctic Village, a remarkable sociological portrait of Wiseman, has long been a favorite among Alaskana fans."

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

A magnificently illustrated over-sized book (13x111/2 both a history of architectural photography and a history of style in the art of photography. The text is clear, incisive, and filled with observation and analyses of great value to photographers, architects, and historians. The photographs are extraordinary--some well known, others never publicly shown. Includes a biographical list of photographers and a selected bibliography. One man's account of the beauty and richness of life in the wilderness, and his quest for happiness--a quest that led him to this isolated mining camp in the mountains of northern Alaska in the early 1930s. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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