Arctic Village: A 1930's Portrait of Wiseman, Alaska

By Robert Marshall

Book Overview

This classic is an original work of literature by one of America's foremost conservationists and is an account of the people of the north, both Native and white, who give Alaska its special human flavor. First published over fifty years ago, the book is still a favorite among old-time Alaskans and, over the years, has prompted numerous readers to pack up and move to Alaska.

The richness of statistical coverage in this book, and Marshall's careful descriptions of the characters he met, provide readers with a window to the world of 1930 and a nearly complete record of the Koyukuk civilization as he saw it. Readers learn what the people of Wiseman thought about sex, religion, politics, and the myriad of ways they found to cope with and enjoy life in a wilderness community.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 091200651X
• ISBN13: 9780912006512
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: University of Alaska Press
• Length: 428 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.6" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Artic Village

A well written book with plenty of factual data. Although written over 75 years ago, the general outlook still applies to many remote small town populations trying to maintain their individuality against encroaching so called "civilization". Bob Marshall- in just 38 short years-managed to make his undeniable mark on Wiseman-which I was privileged to visit in 2003-and on many wilderness areas. The "Bob" (Bob Marshall Wilderness Area) in Montana is unsurpassed in grandeur and unrivaled in beauty--completely unspoiled by roads and urban society. For a person fond of statistics, this is a "must" read.

gold rush era on the koyukuk

A very interesting book on life in a small river trading town on the koyukuk river. It shows the prevailing attitudes of the day between the local native people and the miners, from a white persons point of view. Somewhat patronizing by todays standards, but fairly liberal views for the time it was written. The characters are all real people some of whom were still living when I read this book. The book does skip around a bit and some chapters drag, but in general it's entertaining.