Deadfall: Generations of Logging in the Pacific Northwest

by James Lemonds

Through the life stories of the author's grandfathers, father, uncles, and cousins, Deadfall documents the dramatic changes in the logging industry since the early 1900s. The book focuses on the influence of international timber giant Weyerhaeuser Company in the Pacific Northwest, yet its themes resonate from Alaska to the American Southeast--wherever timber is king. While spurning nostalgia for logging's glory days, Deadfall attempts to view a future for today's timber workers.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

201 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed, highly researched look at life as a logger in the Pacific Northwest, from the 1950s through the mid 1990s.

[Benton Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent narrative history of the loggers and the logging industry in southwest Washington. Focusing on the period from the 1960's to the 1990's it tells an engaging and sometimes captivating story of the rise and fall of a dangerous profession that provided middle-class opportunities for thousands of workers. Would strongly recommend for anyone interested in the 20th century history of Northwest logging and southwest Washington.

[Lauri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty well written. He tells a very balanced account of the logging industry in our state. Considering that he comes from a logging family and grew up in a logging town, he really knows what he's talking about. An easy and interesting read, especially for Washington State natives.

[Gwynneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the more balanced viewpoints on PNW logging I've seen. Pros and cons regarding forestry management and corporate mismanagement are here from the generations of people who worked at ground zero.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to be honest and state my appeal to this book is entirely based around the fact that it takes place where I grew up and that Jim was my High School English teacher. Nevertheless, still a quite interesting read.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was my english teacher for most of High School. This is an excellent history of logging in my area, and a very, very good read to boot!

[Dorothy]

Informative. Nice blending of logging history with family experience