Alaskan Adventures [Hardcover]

Russell Annabel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 25, 1997

Ernest Hemingway called Annabel the finest outdoor writer.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Russell Annabel was one of America's most outstanding and gifted outdoor writers; in fact, Ernest Hemingway said Annabel was "the finest outdoor writer" that he had ever read-an endorsement most writers can only dream about! Annabel started writing of his adventures in the Northland in the 1930s and continued writing until the late 1970s. Follow Annabel and his mentor, Tex Cobb, around in Alaska as they face enraged grizzlies, trophy Dall sheep, marauding wolverines, and mad moose. No other writer has ever been able to capture the spirit of adventure and hunting in Alaska like Russell Annabel. This book was an instantaneous sellout, in print less than eight months. Not surprisingly, it is now hard to find and much sought-after.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 350 pages
• Publisher: Safari Press (August 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571570624
• ISBN-13: 978-1571570628
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #853,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alaskan Adventures The Early Years, December 3, 1999

By 

Danny Williams (Coleman,Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alaskan Adventures (Hardcover)

This book and the other four in the Annabel collection are a must read for any outdoor enthusiast.I have searched literally for years trying to find anything written by this author because of his unbelievable ability to make readers live his stories. I have remained captivated by Mr. Annabels writings in Outdoor Life since the late 50's and all of the 60's (all of my childhood years).You feel as though you are walking with him in all his adventures. When I read his articles in the early years I was mistaken to think that he was an Indian or part Indian because of the magic words he uses. This book will explain the reason for this misunderstanding. I wish there were many more books by Mr Annabel because since finding these five books, I read them all, then reread them and now wish there were more.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A larger than life account of adventure in our 49th state, March 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Alaskan Adventures (Hardcover)

This is an outstanding collection of stories from the Alaska of 50 years ago. Annabel lived an outsized life in Alaska's most interesting time, and told each story with an eye for both the beauty and adventure all outdoorsmen love. His dispatches from the WWII Aleutian campaign are riveting and heartbreaking, and his face-to-face encounters with bears, wolves and wild-eyed moose are enough to make you want to give up your job, sell the house and find your own place in among the northern lights. Nobody pens a better description of an Alaskan sunrise, and nobody gives a better taste of true Alaskan sourdough life. This book is a bargain at twice the price.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alaska: The Great Old Days!, September 18, 2002

By 

MXS (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alaskan Adventures (Hardcover)

The venerable father of hunting and fishing literature, none other than Ernest Hemingway himself, said that Russell Annabel was the finest outdoor writer he had ever read. After reading this book I have to agree. Mr. Annabel is clearly one of the best, if not the very best, outdoor adventure author of the 20th century.

Most stories are set in Alaska and all are based on Mr. Annabel's real-life experiences or are based on historical fact. In particular, a few stories about the Japanese invasion of the Aleutian islands during World War II will bring tears to the eyes of the most jaded and hardened military historian.

But most stories are happier and deal with the sporting life in its most natural and enjoyable way. The essence of Mr. Annabel's writing is the essence of outdoors Alaska itself and comes from a time when fishing and hunting provided the basis of daily life for most resident Alaskans and many visitors.

Not to worry though, this book is not a dry historical treatise or boring account of sporting economics. It is a series of "up close and personal" accounts of the process of horsepacking, backpacking, hiking and exploring with rod and gun throughout Alaska. The stories also occur during a time when circumstances and attitudes were just a bit different than they are today.

This book is terrific, easy, entertaining, fact-based reading. If you are an outdoorsman (or woman) Annabel's stories will make you long for life in a different era.