A History of the Adirondacks (2 Volume Set) [Paperback]

Alfred L. Donaldson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1996

Alfred Donaldson's History of the Adirondacks is recognized as the major work about the entire region and as such remains unsurpassed. As the author pointed out in the preface, "The previously recorded history of the Adirondacks lies scattered in the most meager parts of old country histories, in a score of early books on travel, in a few guide-books and pamphlets, in many detached magazine and newspaper articles, and in a long series of rather dry and often technical State Reports." His task was, therefore, to sift and sort this material and to bring it together into a comprehensive and cohesive history, while adding much information from "untapped sources" and a copious index.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Donaldson's work is now once more brought within reach of those who wish to delve into the colorful past of this famous mountain region.

The author did not live to witness the success of his labor but died a few years after its first appearance. He was a resident of Saranac Lake for 30 years until his death. John J. Duquette, in his preface to the present edition, has given us a fascinating insight into the life of the author and the story of how he came to write his 'History'. A rare and hitherto unpublished photo of the Donaldsons precedes the preface.

Product Details

• Paperback: 766 pages
• Publisher: Purple Mountain Pr Ltd (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0935796762
• ISBN-13: 978-0935796766
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,518,902 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Seller should have included all the info, August 15, 2010

By 

Jason C. Flay - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A History of the Adirondacks (Paperback)

Great job, this is only volume 2 of a 2 volume set. No where on the posting does it say this, and as this is a reprint, even the cover doesn't mention that it is just volume 2.

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this even if you've never heard of the Adirondacks, September 10, 2009

By 

Justin Seiferth "Me" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of the Adirondacks (2 Volume Set) (Paperback)

I'm from Jay, Upper Jay and Whiteface- three of the many small towns in Northern New York state that are are discussed in this book from nearly 100 years ago. Some stories come from a deep knowledge, a clear memory and a love of all things human and complex. Those are the stories I love.

Despite the characters, the author and even some of the places being dead long before even my parents were born I could not put this book down after reading it for just two minutes. I opened up the used and tattered copy I had found of volume 2 to page 35 and read in just five pages about a bear fighting census taker and the poets who lauded him, a school house which cost just $5, about the first US Flag captured by the Confederates and a Union Officer who, during the course of being operated on for his wounds, created a doodle which may then have come to be the Confederate flag.

This history is told through seamlessly and richly connected stories so enrapturing that you feel you're enjoying a chat over a drink with the author in the waning afternoon of an autumn day. He's someone who's intellect is deep and rich; his stories pull you in so thoroughly that when you look up to turn on the light which is now needed to keep reading, you are somewhat shocked to find you are not sitting beside the author, but delighted to be in his audience.

It's a fascinating book which I'm afraid few will be familiar enough with their surrounds to write about future times and places.