Customer Reviews

Alaska's Wolf Man: The 1915-55 Wilderness Adventures of Frank Glaser

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Alaska's Wolf Man: The 1915-55 Wilderness Adventures of Frank Glaser, by Jim Rearden, is one of those obscure books that, when you take the time to read it, amazes you that you hadn't heard of it earlier.

Fairbanks, Alaska, fur trapper Joe Mattie gave me this copy. I need to thank Joe for this.

Frank Glaser was in love with Alaska, hunting, dogs, and wildlife. Although the title of this book leads one to believe it focuses on wolves, you'll learn about bighorn, sled dogs, Alaskan winters, Alaska geography, and more.

Jim Rearden bases this book on actual interviews with Frank Glaser done forty years earlier. Readon stated:

"Most biologists spend at least a hitch or two patrolling ivory towers. Some, of course, fail to descend at all and may go into teaching. Those who take to the field and root about almost always reach the same conclusion when it comes to predators: wolf fact belies wolf fiction, though each is begrimed by politics. Inronically those who most decry political manipulation of fish and game management are the first to apply such pressure when it comes to wolves."

Amen.

So what does Frank Glaser say about wolves? He wrote:

"I don't mind shooting wolves but every tine I find one in my traps I feel ashamed and can hardly get up the nerve to shoot they are the real gentleman of the predatory animal family" (pg. 120).

"You know that about nine tenths of the men trapping use traps that are so small and weak to hold a wolf so the result is most every wolf before he is a year old gets in a small trap for a few minutes then either pulls out or breaks the chain and it is part of his education" (pgs 121-122).

"Over a 40-year period I handled more than 500 dead wolves in Alaska" (told to Rearden, pg 133).

"I have never known of a healthy wolf to tackle a man except in cases of mistaken identity. When they see their mistake they back off. Most wolves aren't even aggressive when they're in a trap" (told to Rearden, pg 315).

Clearly, Glaser has the experience to rank him as a wolf capture expert. Throughout this book he debunks some popular ideas, pans others, and reinforces the rest. To find out which is which, read this book!

Thanks again, Joe.

Alaska's Wolf Man ranks as one of the best books I have ever read.. period. Myself, and many of my fellow Alaskans have read this book and enjoyed it greatly. It is full of history and adventurous tales about Alaska. Anyone with a love for the outdoors, wildlife, hunting or trapping would love this book! Rearden has a wonderful way of telling a story which draws you in. I couldn't put this book down until I had read it all.

This is a great journal of a man living in the wilderness, doing predator control in Alaska in the early 1900s. His observations on the wildlife in general and wolves in particular are excellent. His real life stories paint a clear picture of true wolf behavior that often contrasts with today's romanticizing of the animal. If you are interested in animal damage control trapping, early Alaska or just good observations on wolves and their prey from someone who spent a lot of time with them, this book will entertain and educate you. I highly recommend it.

I've been doing a lot of Alaskan frontier reading and I put this at the top of the list. I couldn't wait to read about the next "adventure" in each chapter. Frank's observations about wolves were fascinating. I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of his life in the book that picks up from 1955 forward... this is a must read.

This book is great. I live in Alaska, and never studied Alaska history. This book is intresting from the biological stand point and preditor control, and the behavior of wolfs. Also, its a wonderful read, even for people who don't enjoy books. All of Jim Rearden's books are great, but this one is fantastic. Truly a great book.
-James

Great Book! The early history of Alaska from the dog sleds to the early vehicles trying to cross the land with no roads. Hunting from his dog sled pulled by his half-wolves, he fell in frozen rivers many miles from any help and knew how to survive. The big bears and the weather sharpened his skills. A hunter and outdoorsman's book.

Frank Glaser's story is a real, first hand look at Alaska in the early days. If you love Alaska and the wilderness, this is the book for you. Frank goes into the back-country and his adventures never cease as he traps, hunts, builds, explores and generally just checks things out. It amazes me that he is always so at ease, even in the most difficult of situations. He is the kind of guy you would just love to tag along with (if you could keep up with him!) His stories and accounts bring Alaska to life at a time when few tourists ventured into the back country. Jim Rearden has done a great job in compiling Frank's stories and amazing life. This book has given me a much greater appreciation of a great state...Wonderful Alaska! I doubt if anyone has ever experienced it like Frank Glaser.

I read these type books on a regular basis & this one is head & shoulders above the rest. Captivating, interesting, & very informative. Well written & a true treasure. This should be included in the required reading for wolf relocation advocates & "Naturalists". Glasser has no axe to grind, simply tells of his adventures & experiences. I assure you, it is time & money well spent !

For anyone interested in natural histories, this book is a phenomenal look at early Alaska. The book reads like a scattered journal and has so many historical details. I myself am an avid hunter, so this rating is biased as the book certainly includes numerous hunting stories. A great wilderness book without so much of the hippie/vagabond overtones that accompany most modern wilderness writings.

I was thoroughly captivated by the hardships that the man not only survived but was able to adapt to in rugged and harsh enviroment. His knowledge of all the wildlife was total and complete. First time I ever heard of anyone shooting a grizzly with a .220 Swift and living to tell the tale. Also was the first time I had ever heard that wolves will kill just for the fun of it but he has the knowledge to back it up.