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.
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 A rare and hitherto unpublished photo of the Donaldsons precedes the preface.
