Denali: A Literary Anthology (Paperback)

~ Bill Sherwonit (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A literary collection about Denali and the broad shadow it casts in history, culture, and nature.

Collects 23 essays on Denali-from well-known writings to undiscovered gems

Explores themes from Native culture to exploration history to modern adventures

Includes stories from such writers as Charles Sheldon, Robert Dunn, Kim Heacox, Richard Leo, and Sherry Simpson

For many, Denali is the epitome of the Alaska experience; it is the place mountaineers dream of, visitors want to see, and armchair travelers want to read about.

Spanning centuries of storytelling, Denali: A Literary Anthology considers the Denali region from the perspectives of Native Alaskans, early explorers, prospectors, naturalists, hunters, conservationists, mountaineers, and modern homesteaders. Weaving together the threads of Native tales and myths, explorations, mountaineering, natural history, and outdoor adventure, this rich collection creates a vivid tapestry of Denali past and present. Some of the works represented are well-known classics, others are familiar to Alaskans, and a few will be recognized by only the most avid Denaliphiles; all the stories are the best of their kind within the large body of Denali literature.

Product Details

• Paperback: 267 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books; 1st edition (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089886710X
• ISBN-13: 978-0898867107
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,059,136 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Alaska reading, thoughtfully assembled, May 30, 2005

By	Alaska writer and reader - See all my reviews

This collection stands out among many as a great resource for any traveler wanting to learn about Alaska from people (historical and modern) who experienced it firsthand. It's especially strong in presenting the classics of history, natural history and adventure travel: excerpts from the early explorers and mountaineers, descriptions of wildlife from Denali pioneers Adolph Murie and Charles Sheldon, and even some Native sacred stories. Those excerpts make Sherwonit's book a classic Alaska bookshelf sandwiched between the soft covers of a single book. Additionally, this anthology includes modern accounts by thoughtful writers and pioneers: a great essay on moose by Sherry Simpson, an account of the life of a grizzly cub observed by a ranger Rick McIntyre, and more. As an Alaskan and guidebook writer I've used this book often for my own research, as well as for my reading pleasure. Sherwonit has done readers a great service by collecting these 23 essays and excerpts, many of which are otherwise hard to track down. They make a great addition to a serious traveler's library -- but they're portable enough to pack for plane, ferry and tent.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone visiting Denali National Park, June 17, 2007

By	Christina (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sherwonit has put together an excellent collection of stories of cultural and natural history in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would HIGHLY reccommend this book to anyone planning to visit the area. I can't wait to visit Denali National Park and know that I will feel more closely connected to the park and all of its wonder after hearing some of the stories it has to tell.