The Native People of Alaska (4th Edition) [Paperback]

Steve J. Langdon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2002

This book explains how Alaska's many different Native people have survived for more than 500 generations in one of the world's most challenging environments, long before the arrival of European technology.

Topics include traditional housing, dress, food, social systems, ceremonies, beliefs, tools and more. Supplemented with seven maps, 26 illustrations, and 55 historic photos. 6 x 9 inches; 128 pages. Completely revised in 2002.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Desirable, thorough and attractive... -- Ann Chandonet, Anchorage Times

Every Alaskan should read this book. ... for students, Alaskans, and the old timer who wants to know more... -- William Demmert, former Alaska Commissioner of Education

From the Publisher

This book was originally produced as in introductory guide for first-time visitors to Alaska. It is the publisher's most popular book and has remained in print continuously for twelve years due to its strong sales. It now has been added as a required textbook at most, if not all, colleges, universities and junior colleges in Alaska. Also has been sold to other schools such as Penn State, University of Victoria, and University of California for various courses in American Indian studies, social studies etc. Also carried at most museums in the state. This is a unique book in that it covers the same topics for all six major Native groups in the state, allowing easy comparisons between groups and avoiding the need to purchase many other books to obtain information about each group separately.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Greatland Graphics; 4th edition (February 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0936425814
• ISBN-13: 978-0936425818
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #140,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Special Groups > Native American Studies
  • #27 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Americas > United States > State & Local
  • #79 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Americas > United States > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any history library., November 20, 2006

By 

Michael Valdivielso (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Native People of Alaska (4th Edition) (Paperback)

The Native People of Alaska by Steve J. Langdon is only 128 pages yet has a lot of detail for those of us who wish to get as much knowledge about Native life and history before the Europeans came.
The first chapter is an introduction followed by six chapters that each deal with a region of Alaska. These six chapters break down the information of that area into history, population, technologies, diet, beliefs, trade, warfare, ceremonies, first contact with Europeans and how that effected their way of life.
The last chapter is an overview of Alaskan history from first contact with the Russians to the first years of the 21st Century. There is also a list of museums and cultural centers in the back of the book that you can visit when in Alaska.
I love this book which I got from the Anchorage Museum of History and Art and think anybody who wants to understand or enjoy Alaska must buy it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is my heritage., November 16, 2007

By 

Sarah M. Storm - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Native People of Alaska (4th Edition) (Paperback)

Great book, good information, for the time it was published in.


The photograph of the woman and child is actually my great-great grandmother Avitniya, and her child is my great-grandmother Hilda.

It was amazing to find this picture on a book cover.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very nice overview, July 22, 2008

By 

Linda Austin "Moonbridge" (USA Midwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Native People of Alaska (4th Edition) (Paperback)

I picked this book up at an Alaskan cruise port shop in Icy Straits to learn about the native peoples of the area and was not disappointed. Langdon jam packs this little book with facts and tidbits about each of the various groups, interspersing black and white photos and drawings among archaeological history, geography, all manner of cultural practices and interesting odds and ends, concluding with the effects of contact with Europeans and/or British and American traders. A final chapter on Historic Changes goes into more detail concerning the history of the state of Alaska and changes wrought in native cultures in order for the people to survive in the white man's world. While sad, there is much hope as we see how Alaska Natives continue to teach their children and the world about their rich heritage and culture and have learned to stand together to demand their right to just and equitable treatment.

This is a well-organized, enlightening book, although I suggest having a good general map of Alaska on hand to identify the geographical boundaries detailed. An Appendix of museums and cultural centers is a useful addition.