A Year in Lapland: Guest of the Reindeer Herders [Paperback]

Hugh Beach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2001

As a young man Hugh Beach went to live with the Saami reindeer hunters of Swedish Lapland. His lyrically written and very personal story of trying to fit into the herding way of life is a rare insider's account of the Saami. In a passionate and informed Afterword to this new edition of the book, he revisits his old friends and looks at how Sweden is attempting to balance the conflicting needs of reindeer herders and environmentalists in the 21st century.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

On his first visit to Swedish Lapland, in 1973, Swedish anthropologist Beach stayed 17 months. In subsequent years he returned to take part in every phase of reindeer herding and to observe the effect of modern technology on the herders' wilderness lifestyle. His account of time spent with the Tuorpon Saami (Lapps) in the Jokkmokk District embraces an awesome story of grueling work, adventure and friendship above the Arctic Circle. Beach lived in his own goattieh , a dome-shaped, turf-covered hut with a fireplace in its center. In addition to skis and dogs, the Saami use snowmobiles ("scooters") and walkie-talkies to gather reindeer. In summer, the main activity is calf-marking; in autumn, dividing the herds. The annual moose hunt precedes slaughter of the bucks. Winter brings the arduous task of driving thousands of reindeer from the mountains to pasture in the southeast forests. Beach gives a memorable portrait of a vanishing way of life. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

American anthropologist Beach tells of his first year among the Saami reindeer herders of Swedish Lapland. His narrative interweaves adventure, descriptions of the harsh beauty of the landscape, supernatural tales, and ancient myths. Beach also explores change in the lives of the herders brought on by laws requiring village groups to move and by adaptations to new items such as rubber boots, seaplanes, and modern appliances. The author lives with the herders according to their code, just as Richard Nelson ( The Island Within , LJ 10/1/89) lived cooperatively with Native Americans. Highly recommended for all general collections.
- Mary J. Nickum, The MAXIMA Corp., Lanham, Md.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: University of Washington Press; 1 Reprint edition (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0295980370
• ISBN-13: 978-0295980379
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #777,514 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #61 in Books > Travel > Europe > Sweden

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changing Culture of the Sami, January 21, 2005

By 

Stephen Hyatt (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Year in Lapland: Guest of the Reindeer Herders (Paperback)

This is a well written account of a thoughtful outsider's experiences and observations of the Sami reindeer herders. Dr Beach participates in the culture and gains insights into Sami ways and the problems they encounter. A great story of the realities and hardships of a culture under great pressure to change their way of life. The author did his research in the field and it resulted in excellent data unobtainable through other methods. Very enjoyable reading, I recommend it highly to those interested in culture in the far north.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I want more of this, and by a woman., July 29, 2007

By 

C. Plaia "maskwoman" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: A Year in Lapland: Guest of the Reindeer Herders (Paperback)

The author really took me there with him in his experiences. This is an older book, and I wish there were something more current like it. I know that things have changed since it was written. Also, being a woman, I would wish for something similar from a woman's cultural perspective and reality.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, soulful, and fascinating, April 21, 2007

By 

Phil Zuckerman (Claremont, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: A Year in Lapland: Guest of the Reindeer Herders (Paperback)

This book is wonderful -- it paints a vivid picture of modern Sampi, of both the landscape and the people. As well as the bugs and mice and smoke and wind. It is full of rich details and captivating anecdotes. It is never dull, never dry, but always beautiful and human. I loved every page.