The Last New Land: Stories of Alaska, Past and Present

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Summary: A rich collection of Alaskan literature and lore
Review: Although many great literary minds have been inspired to write about Alaska, it is impossible to find a single work that can completely describe the "Alaskan Experience". This great land is simply too vast in size, and rich in history and cultures to be described by any one author at any one time. In his anthology, Wayne Mergler selected excerpts from classical stories of Alaska, along with modern works and Native lore. He transports the reader through time and culture to give a fuller view of what it is to be "Alaskan".

Rating:
Summary: A rich collection of Alaskan literature and lore
Review: Although many great literary minds have been inspired to write about Alaska, it is impossible to find a single work that can completely describe the "Alaskan Experience". This great land is simply too vast in size, and rich in history and cultures to be described by any one author at any one time. In his anthology, Wayne Mergler selected excerpts from classical stories of Alaska, along with modern works and Native lore. He transports the reader through time and culture to give a fuller view of what it is to be "Alaskan".

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Summary: ...as fine an armchair adventure as you can get of Alaska.
Review: Having been there to see Alaska only whets the appetite. Do you have imagination? Then, whether you've never been, only cruised thru, or passed thru via Anchorage, don't wait to purchase this the finest collection of stories of the true Alaska you will find. Feel what it's like to freeze to death, hunt the Great Whale, live the ways of the original Alaskans...without having to. Immerse yourself in poetry only a great land and great people could create. In short, enjoy this collection. Savor it. Send it to friends as I have. And, pick it up again and again and again.

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Summary: An exceptional work depicting the better parts of Alaska!
Review: I have lived in Alaska all of my life and I have never found anything that described this land to its fullest. Wayne Mergler's anthology is one of the few works that takes both Alaskan and non-Alaskan authors to describe not only the adventures and dreams found here, but also the riches. Included in this Anthology, are authors like Jack London, John Haines, Nick Jans, Margaret Murie and many others. From poems and legends to excerpts of novels, this anthology has something for everyone. This work is not only a good book for Alaskans to read, but also any people in the lower-48 who ahve never been here, or still think that Alaska has nothing to offer except snow and ice

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Summary: A Must Read to Understand Alaska
Review: This book is a delight. Well chosen and skillfully edited material covers all aspects of the Alaska experience -- from native myths to the burly Alaska of the wild. This is a perfect book to read before your first trip to Alaska. If you have visited Alaska, reading this book will help you savor the Alaska experience. There are also several short pieces which make great bedtime reading for young children. One of my best purchases in years.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read to Understand Alaska
Review: This book is a delight. Well chosen and skillfully edited material covers all aspects of the Alaska experience -- from native myths to the burly Alaska of the wild. This is a perfect book to read before your first trip to Alaska. If you have visited Alaska, reading this book will help you savor the Alaska experience. There are also several short pieces which make great bedtime reading for young children. One of my best purchases in years.

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Summary: illustrates the great diversity of Alaskan living
Review: This is, to date, the most comprehensive collection of literature about Alaska. It includes poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and Native folklore from the past and the present. As a longtime (30 year) Alaska resident, I had a wonderful time collecting tales and poems which, I feel, illustrate the great diversity of experience in Alaskan living. I hope people will travel, if only by armchair, to this fabulous place and enjoy the trip