Arctic Village: A 1930's Portrait of Wiseman, Alaska (Classic Reprint Series) [Paperback]

Robert Marshall (Author)

Book Description

Series: Classic Reprint Series | Publication Date: July 1, 1991

This classic is an original work of literature by one of America's foremost conservationists and is an account of the people of the north, both Native and white, who give Alaska its special human flavor. First published over fifty years ago, the book is still a favorite among old-time Alaskans and, over the years, has prompted numerous readers to pack up and move to Alaska.

The richness of statistical coverage in this book, and Marshall's careful descriptions of the characters he met, provide readers with a window to the world of 1930 and a nearly complete record of the Koyukuk civilization as he saw it. Readers learn what the people of Wiseman thought about sex, religion, politics, and the myriad of ways they found to cope with and enjoy life in a wilderness community.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Arctic Village, a remarkable sociological portrait of Wiseman, has long been a favorite among Alaskana fans."

(Fairbanks Daily News-Miner )

"An enduring classic . . . that will win new fans for the author and enthusiasts for the places he loved."

(Alaska Magazine )

About the Author

Robert Marshall is well remembered for his contributions to wilderness preservation. A founder of the Wilderness Society in 1935, he carried forward John Muir's battle for conservation. As with Muir, Marshall's personal appeal and persuasive arguments reached beyond his immediate circle to gain adherents to the cause. He is considered the inspiration for the creation of Alaska's eight-million-acre Gates of the Arctic National Park and the one-million-acre Bob Marshall Area in Montana. He is author of numerous influential essays and two books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 428 pages
• Publisher: University of Alaska Press; 1 edition (July 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 091200651X
• ISBN-13: 978-0912006512
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #969,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars gold rush era on the koyukuk, November 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Arctic Village: A 1930's Portrait of Wiseman, Alaska (Classic Reprint Series) (Paperback)

A very interesting book on life in a small river trading town on the koyukuk river. It shows the prevailing attitudes of the day between the local native people and the miners, from a white persons point of view. Somewhat patronizing by todays standards, but fairly liberal views for the time it was written. The characters are all real people some of whom were still living when I read this book. The book does skip around a bit and some chapters drag, but in general it's entertaining.

4.0 out of 5 stars Arctic Village, May 2, 2009

By 

Phillip Norris "Mzungu Phil" (Topeka, Kansas and Nadi, Fiji) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I thought it was an interesting book and gave good insight into Alaska's history in the 1930s.

5.0 out of 5 stars Artic Village, March 28, 2007

By 

Bob White "turtle1752" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arctic Village: A 1930's Portrait of Wiseman, Alaska (Classic Reprint Series) (Paperback)

A well written book with plenty of factual data. Although written over 75
years ago, the general outlook still applies to many remote small town populations trying to maintain their individuality against encroaching so called "civilization". Bob Marshall- in just 38 short years-managed to make his undeniable mark on Wiseman-which I was privileged to visit in 2003-and on many wilderness areas. The "Bob" (Bob Marshall Wilderness Area) in Montana is unsurpassed in grandeur and unrivaled in beauty--completely unspoiled by roads and urban society. For a person fond of statistics, this is a "must" read.