Alaska: Tales of Adventure from the Last Frontier

by Spike Walker (Editor)

For thousands of years Alaska has called to us. The hardy souls who first answered that call endured bitter temperatures, maddening isolation, and often harrowing adventures for the privilege of living there, and many lost their lives in the process. From the earliest human explorers to Russian fur trappers, from Klondike gold seekers to today's miners and oilmen, from Alaska's native people to the millions of tourists who visit the state every year, people have come to Alaska to marvel at its beauty, rejoice in its riches, and measure themselves against its challenges. The wonder of Alaska, as well as its terrifying dangers, come to life in this anthology, featuring true adventures described by some of the best writers in the world, each hand picked by bestselling writer and Alaska aficionado Spike Walker. Tales of Adventure from the Last Frontier will open your eyes and stir your soul as it celebrates the untamed beauty of Alaska.

Inside you will find unmatched tales of adventure by the following

Spike Walker
Jack London
Larry Kaniut
Roger A. Caras
Lew Freedman
Dana Stabenow
Gary Paulsen
Jean Aspen
Ann Mariah Cook
John Muir
Washington Irving

And many more...

Genres: Travel

288 pages, Paperback

First published February 18, 2002

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of short stories about Alaska written by some of the most famous naturalists of all-time, including Washington Irving, John Muir, Jack London and Jean Aspen. A perfect read for anyone interested in learning more about Alaska. Short stories are grouped by topic: Great Explorers, Gold Rush, Black Gold (Oil), Natural Wonders and the Iditarod.

My favorite stories were about the natural beauty of Alaska by John Muir. The Alexander Archipelago, Fort Wrangell, Sitka and Petersburg were all an inspiration to John Muir and places I’d like to visit.

The stories about exploration were also fascinating. Jean Aspen wrote about her son breaking apart a rock and putting it back together as a sort of puzzle. The first settlers had to do an enormous amount of backbreaking physical work; heating water over a fire, hauling it up to the cabin for a bath, hunting, trapping and building cabins. During the summer the bugs would practically eat them alive.

The most poignant story was 'To Build a Fire' by Jack London . It describes the circumstance by which a man can slowly freeze to death.

[Forrest · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an "ok" read. I am glad I am done with it, and now am ready to read a book with a plot and get acquainted with some new characters. The highlight of this book was reading the excerpt from Gary Paulsen's book, "Winterdance". I just can't keep a grin off my face when thinking of that book and the enjoyment I had in reading it, many years ago. Walker's excerpts from John Muir's writings reminded me of how difficult it is for me to read Muir's writings. Bottom line is, I am an avid fan of Alaska, so I did enjoy the book. I liked Walker's selected writings on the Alaska Gold Rush Days, especially Jack London's writings. If I was to criticize this book, I would fault Mr. Walker in his advoidance of including written rhyme and verse poetry about Alaska. Robert Service's Spell of the Yukon, Cremation of Sam McGee, etc. can capture, in my opinion, anyone's love for this great big broad land - way up 'yonder. Another poet I would include is Larry Beck...... Anyway, I am rambling, because I enjoy thinking about this Great State and the time I have spent there.

[Kay Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spike Walker edited and wrote the introduction for this book. "This book is dedicated to all the people who have come to Alaska and been awed by it, from those first hardy humans who ventured across the ice so long ago to the newest cheechako."
The book is a collection short stories, excerpts from books and newspaper articles, some written in the late 1800s. My favorites were the stories about dog sledding and the Iditarod, especially the excerpt from Winterdance by Gary Paulsen. Other featured authors include Lew Freedman, Richard Mathews and Jack London.
I recommend this book for anyone who wants to get a glimpse into life in Alaska, past and present.