Sun Valley: An Extraordinary History (Hardcover)

~ Wendolyn Holland (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The best history of the Sun Valley area to hit the shelves in 20 years, this gorgeous coffeetable book captures the glamour of the West's premier ski resort and places its story within the context of the history of the larger American West. As author Wendolyn Holland notes in her introduction, Sun Valley is an American fantasy, "of skiers flashing through deep powder... of nights in front of a crackling fire-of a world apart." This thoroughly researched history looks behind the fantasy to reveal a remarkable place and the people who helped make it extraordinary. Sumptuously produced, Sun Valley features vintage maps and more than 300 historic photos.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 424 pages
• Publisher: The Idaho Press (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560445874
• ISBN-13: 978-1560445876
• Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 10.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,206,160 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Extraordinary Book, June 7, 1999

By A Customer

Sun Valley remains the preeminent destination ski resort in the United States. Holland's book documents the importance and the glamour this small town in Idaho has contributed to our society. Anyone who has been to Sun Valley, or anyone who is fascinated by skiing ought to check out this beautiful book. Great Photos.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent blend of history and beautiful graphics, January 26, 1999

By A Customer

The history of Sun Valley epitomizes a large aspect of the history of the 20th century American West -- eastern and western pioneers in the natural, mountain environment; the omnipresence of the railroad; skiing as a liesure activity and an industry (including the world history of skiing); even a strong touch of Hollywood. Using her well-researched doctoral dissertation in history as a starting point for the very readable and lively text, Ms. Holland has added a very impressive collection of excellent black & white historical photographs and 1940s color photographs of the people and the landscape that made Sun Valley the first premier skiing resort in the West. Included are color reproductions of maps, promotional posters and brochures. All in all, the book is an excellent record of the "people" stories and the "material culture" of Sun Valley. Ms. Holland has done an excellent job of telling us a fascinating story with very impressive visuals.