Book reviews from TheObservatory

Aleuts

by William Laughlins

Laughlin was one of the most respected authors on the Aleuts (or Unangan, their original name for themselves). His work is excellent and his writing above the level of most anthropologists. My customer had read the book and wanted it as a gift for another Unangan woman.Highly recommended if you want factual knowledge of the people.

No Half Truths

by John W Nicholson

Fascinating true story of a lifelong Bristol Bay resident, a Yupik man, important in the community. His grandson, also from Bristol Bay, Alaska, was delighted to get a copy.

Nightwood

by Djuna Barnes

If you are fascinated by the 1920s and the intellectuals dwelling therein, this will make a wonderful read for you.It is also amusing.

The Raven's Tail

by Cheryl Samuel

Working from an 1840's drawing of Tlingit Chief Katlean of Sitka, Samuel, a weaver, was able to recreate this handsome wool cloak she named Raven's Tail from the design. She went on to teach others and write this authoritative book.In 1997, archaeologists in Sitka found a remnant of this robe, dated ca. 1820. If you are a weaver or fascinated by Tlingit Indian regalia, you could not do better than purchase this book.Dee Longenbaugh

The Maggie Murphy

by John Joseph Ryan

Jack Ryan's delightful account of two Puget Sound boys in the 1930s who decided to make their fortunes commercial fishing in Alaska via a hulk they resurrected from the beach badly needs to be reprinted.Ryan went on to become a very respected reporter and editor for the Fairbanks News-Miner, then to Seattle as an editor there.The good writing and even better humor make for a lovely read.Dee LongenbaughThe Observatory, ABAAJuneau, AlaskaJ

Head Winds

by Warbelow

Willy was the widow of a famous Bush pilot (the term used in Alaska for a person flying in or stationed in the small places, which means most of Interior Alaska). They were and are considered heroes in the state because of the conditions they flew (and fly), from winter degrees well below zero or summer when the mosquitoes, blackflies, nosee'ums, and whitesocks make life miserable on the ground and in between seasons when the wind blows. Interesting story.

Hirohito and The Making Of Modern Japan

by Herbert P Bix

A very knowledgeable collector asked me to find a copy of this book for him, as his field is Japan before and just after World War II. He was extremely pleased with the copy I found as it is in Fine condition with Fine dust jacket.Thanks to the dealer for this copy!Dee

The Last Ridge

by McKay Jenkins

Two men from Juneau served in the mountain ski group covered in this book. My customer knew both and felt the book is a fine retelling of a little-known bit of WWII in the Italian Alps. An addendum - both men told me at different times that they did not know the other was in the same patrol, although Juneau at the time had a population of ca. 5,000!Highly recommended by customer.