Tales of Alaska's Bush Rat Governor: The Extraordinary Autobiography of Jay Hammond Wilderness Guide and Reluctant Politician

by Jay S. Hammond

The former governor of Alaska recounts his childhood, education, war experiences, and political career

Genres: Biography

Hardcover

First published April 1, 1994

Reviews

[Matthew Montesano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plane crashes, bear attacks, telepathy, and politics from another era - delivered with self deprecation and irony. An unusual read.

[Lisa Kearns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this biography and really enjoyed it. I knew who Jay Hammond was since his name pops up in almost every Alaska book I read. What I didn't know is that he had a great sense of humor and must have been a hoot as a friend and neighbor.

I enjoyed reading about his childhood, his Air Force service during WWII, his marriage(s) and kids, and the many jobs he had on his way to Governor. I do wish he had talked more about his experiences building his cabin and fishing, hunting, trapping and being outdoors. The political stuff took over half of the book, and got a little boring in parts.

But, I did enjoy the whole book and was glad for the index in the back so I could go back and re-read parts. I learned quite a bit about the fight between factions over the oil pipeline and homesteading and native issues. He was a nice mix between conservative and liberal, conservationist and developer, although those qualities meant some portion of the populace was mad at him at any given time.

[Daniel Cornwall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good read for those in Alaska history. The whole book is a series of vignettes rather than a single narrative. The effect is somewhat disjointed. I personally found the first third of the book hard to get through, but things did quickly pick up from there.

More documentation of material would have been nice - examples of the Anchorage Daily Times treatment of him, bill numbers for legislation Hammond said he got passed because legislators weren't much for reading.

On the plus side, Hammond is far from self-aggrandizing in this book and he's up front about his mistakes and failures.

If you live in Alaska and haven't read the biography of one of the fathers of the Permanent Fund Dividend, you really ought to pick up this book and read.

[Nola · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the kind of book you can get more out of with each reading as you become more familiar with the issues and history of Alaska. It is truly remarkable for a person such as Jay Hammond to have become so passionate and thoughtful about ways to achieve sustainability, both economic and environmental.

[Faith Weldon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jay Hammond grew up in the Capital District of NYS--Troy, Scotia and Saratoga. I found that interesting. He wound up in Alaska after WWII and was involved in politics when Alaska entered statehood. I found this autobriography entertaining and enlightening.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some great yarns from the legendary--and amazingly sensible and competent--governor of Alaska. One of the best governors ever, and probably the best in Alaskan history.

[Kaye Sivori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories!!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Makes me want to get my pilot's license.