The Alaskan [Paperback]

James Oliver Curwood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2008

This is the story of Mary Standish and her escape from her past into the uncivilized wilderness of Alaska in the early 1900s. It is the story of Alan Holt and his fight to protect Alaskan resources and his own vast ranch land. As the two stories intertwine, the politics and corruption threatening the native people and land of Alaska are revealed. The stories of Mary and Alan also lead the reader through gripping action on the Alaskan frontier where men fought battles as in the days of the Wild West of America with the law hundreds of miles away across the wilderness. James Oliver Curwood spent many years in this wilderness and wrote authentically from first hand experience. He also was an astute observer of the political influence on conservation and land use. He was an ecologist before it was popular and was appointed Chairman of the Game, Fish, and Wildlife Committee of the Michigan Department of Conservation in 1927. It is interesting to read this novel, set amidst real problems that Alaskans faced in 1910 before the discovery of oil - when gold, crops, herds, and land were the commodities people fought over.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James Oliver Curwood, (June 12, 1878 - August 13, 1927), was an American novelist and conservationist. A great number of his works were turned into movies, several of which starred Nell Shipman as a brave and adventurous woman in the wilds of the north. Many films from Curwood's writings were made during his lifetime, as well as after his passing through to the 1950s. In 1988 French director Jean-Jacques Annaud used his 1916 novel, The Grizzly King to make the film The Bear. Annaud's success generated a renewed interest in Curwood's stories that resulted in five more films being produced in 1994 and 1995. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: ARose Books (September 25, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 098192980X
• ISBN-13: 978-0981929804
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,851,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the alaskan, March 18, 2003

By 

Peter (Bridgeport, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Alaskan; a novel of the North (Hardcover)

The Alaskan is an excellent novel describing the character
and trials, tribualtions and aspirations of a bygone generation.
One, the likes of which we may never see again.

Alan HOLT, A MAN'S MAN VERSUS ROSSLAND. The first a keeper
of raindeer as cattle, the last a greedy profiteer and opportunist. Enter MARY Standish. WHAT HAS SHE GOT TO DO
WITH ALL THIS. WELL I WON'T SAY MORE. The action is fast
paced and is way superior to any of the 2nd and third rate
stuff you see in the movie-houses. It reads like a script
for a hollywood feature film on the level of Amistad.

I highly recomend reading this novel. The characters are real and memorable. It is of special not how Mary STANDISH CONSIDERS
HERSELF AM AMERICAN WHILE ALAN HOLT CONSIDERS HIMSELF AN ALASKAN.
Must reading for people who are curious about Americas recent past and the price it had to pay in becoming an Empire and the people that made it happen thru blood, sweat & tears.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Suspenseful, engrossing, surprising, educational, worthwhile, December 5, 2005

By 

Delbert E. Hambley "Del Hambley" (Kalamazoo) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Alaskan (Hardcover)

This is one of the most interesting novels I have ever read. For that reason, I have read it several times! It has the kind of surprises you find in James Hilton's Random Harver, but with a suspenseful conclusion of the kind that can be imagined of a time when Alaska was young, and a good man with two good pistols can make a difference. There is also much information about Alaska, capitalists and the beauty of "uncivilized" territory. The character Mary Standish is fascinating, as well as her faith in The Alaskan.

You won't regret reading this book!

Del Hambley

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Alaskan - large print, January 7, 2009

By 

R. W. Mills (Bucks County, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Alaskan: A Novel of the North (Paperback)

I gave this book to my 93 year old Mother for Christmas. She's reading it now and tells me it's a wonderful book!