The River Where America Began: A Journey Along the James

Book Description

In this engaging new book, Bob Deans introduces Americans to the James River, explaining its essential role in the shaping of modern America and helping readers to understand how much of who we are as a nation is rooted along its shores. iThe River Where America Begani takes readers on a journey along the James from the earliest days of civilization nearly 15,000 years ago through the English settlement at Jamestown and finishing with Lincoln's tour of the defeated capital of Richmond in 1865.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully written.......2007-09-17

This is a wonderfully written, informative book that focuses on the history that happened on the James River from 1607 to 1865.

Like any good storyteller, Deans illuminates specific characters (John Smith, Pocahontas, Powhatan, Patrick Henry and Abraham Lincoln among them), to shed light on the whole. And the whole is this: That the two original sins of the American experiment -- our near-genocidal treatment of the Indians and our institution of black slavery -- began here, early in our formative years, on the banks of the James River in Virginia. At the very same time and in the very same place, began our very real belief in a democratic government of laws and not of men.

On this river was nurtured the the notion that all men were created equal, even as those who proclaimed liberty and equality denied it (and increasingly codified that denial) to a whole race of men and women.

That such schizophrenia of national psyche could not long endure seems obvious. And the fever that provided the cure finally broke here, too, on the banks of the James in April 1865.

This is a terrific book. However, the publisher, I believe, has let the writer down in two respects: It could use more maps. When Deans writes of someone rounding this point, exploring this tributary or inhabiting that island, I want to have a map close at hand to see for myself. There are a few maps, and they are good, but I would like more.

And here's a thing sure to rankle any West Virginian ex-copy editor: In the chapter on John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry (then Virginia, today West Virginia), it says he was hanged in nearby Charleston. As any Mountain Stater (and probably even some Virginians) know, Charleston, the state capital, is in the south central part of the state. Charles Town, where they have horse racing, is in the Eastern Panhandle. Charles Town is close to Harper's Ferry, not Charleston. (And as any newspaperman knows, Charleston, Charles Town is an AP Stylebook entry. I presume the error is an editor's and not Deans'.)

Really Good.......2007-08-11

Hi,

I am reading this book right now and am on page 238 of 287. This is the most readable "history" book I have ever read. I would give it a 4 1/2 out of 5 really. He gets into the baptism of Pochohontas and gets a little sharp with the tongue. Don't pass up on this book though because of a few pages. Everyones opinion still matters. I do like how it's in a storybook format and I do like the authors opinion most of the time. I would say the book is 85% fact, %15 opinion.

Very knowledgable writer. A book that gives you the framework to be educated about American history in discussions with your friends. No thanksgiving story and they lived happily ever after. America was founded by immigrants and freedom fighters, criminals, slaves, and Native Americans obviously.

Thanks. God Bless.

Aaron.

Reclaims your lack of American history knowledge.......2007-06-10

If you didn't take or do well in early American history class, this book will go a long way to help. Bob Deans, informatively and entertainingly, chronicles the first foreign footprints on American soil. In doing so, he sympathetically gives the natives their due, while exploring with reportorial acumen, the inexorable march, good and bad, toward democracy, all of which started "along the James," in Dean's beloved state.

first democratic government in the USA was the House of Burgesses.......2007-05-26

And black slaves were in Jamestown before the Pilgrims landed in Mass.
Lively and instructive.
A fascinating book.

The Most Readable Jamestown Book.......2007-05-16

If you only have time to read one Jamestown book, read this one. Deans gives a thorough history of the founding of Jamestown, puts it into historical context, both in terms of the English and the Native Americans (and not too much later, the Africans, who were essential to the success of the Virginia colony) with a style that is both poetic and crisp. He has a great ability to step back to assess the historic significance of the quotidian tasks of building a society in the New World, while also getting up close and personal with the very real human beings who built it. He covers a lot of ground while including colorful detail and character studies of John Smith, Pocahantas, Powhatan, and others. If you're going to visit the Jamestown area, this book is the ideal companion, because Deans also covers the area's role in the American revolution (Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson both had their roots along the James) and the Civil War, from early slave revolts to the fall of of the Confederate capital at Richmond. All in all, a joy to read.
Stefania Pittaluga, Washingon, D.C.

A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History

Average customer rating:

Great Historical/ Environmental Read
This book is fantastic for third graders!
This is one of the greatest books ever written.
Scenic AND educational!

A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History
Lynne Cherry
Manufacturer: Voyager Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0152163727

Book Description

From the author of the beloved classic The Great Kapok Tree, A River Ran Wild tells a story of restoration and renewal. Learn how the modern-day descendants of the Nashua Indians and European settlers were able to combat pollution and restore the beauty of the Nashua River in Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews:

Great Historical/ Environmental Read.......2007-03-21

Ages 10+
Follows the life of a river from Native American time through present and details the story of human destruction of a river and the human renewal of the resource. Definitely a read for grades 5+ due to the "urgency" of environmental destruction*we don't want to scare the kids to help them appreciate the resource*

This book is fantastic for third graders!.......1998-08-23

I used this book with my third grade class when they were studying the effects of water pollution on a large body of water. They had already studied Native Americans in second grade and this book just blended the two subjects together. The step by step portrayal of man's harm to the Nashua River helped my children learn about how they were harming the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Lynne Cherry is a fantastic author and presents two great subjects that are highly interesting to children. Any teacher that teaches either Native Americans or water pollution should include this book in their lessons!

This is one of the greatest books ever written........1997-12-24

This book was given to me at age 12. I am now 17 and it is still my favorite. I will never outgrow the beautiful pictures, or the very important lesson it teaches. Every page is expertly laid out, with exquisite paintings depicting the river and the era being discussed. The message of environmental conservation and protection is inspiring. Lynne Cherry makes this vital part of our existence understandable to young children, and even adults, often the harder group to reach. I highly reccommend this book for anyone who wants their children to appreciate the world around them and learn that they can, and should, do their best to save it.

Scenic AND educational!.......1997-03-16

This is a beautiful book! The illustrations are breathtaking and it follows an almost "illuminated" type of text structure, similar to that found in "The Mitten" by Jan Brett. Each page is bordered by illustrations of items pertaining to the period in history that the page is depicting - the implements used by Native peoples, animals that live by the river, inventions of the Industrial Revolution, etc. There is much more to talk about on each page than just the environmental theme of the book. This book would fit well in units about Native people, progress/inventions, ecology, water habitats, etc. A must-have for classrooms, homes, and teachers

Climbing and Hiking in the Wind River Mountains, 2nd

Average customer rating:

Mountaineering Book for more than just Mountaineers
Awesome guide for the experienced mountaineer
A must for the Wind River hiker and mountaineer

Climbing and Hiking in the Wind River Mountains, 2nd
Joe Kelsey
Manufacturer: Falcon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0934641706

Book Description

Technical climbing, hiking and peack bagging routes are described and mapped for this outdoor playground in Wyoming.

Customer Reviews:

Mountaineering Book for more than just Mountaineers.......2003-07-22

I bought this book to plan a week-long backpacking trip. It is very similar in concept to Secor's "High Sierra" guide for CA's Sierra Nevada: Adequate description of the trails and off-trail passes, and comprehensive information for climbers on about everything climbable. I am not a technical climber and cannot judge the book's usefulness as a real "climbing guide", but I like to take off-trail excursions, shortcuts, and scrambles. Together with the "Earthwalk" topos (which are excellent) this book was just the right thing for planning a backpacking trip with "side adventures". If you stay strictly on the trail, you might find a pure trail guide more useful, as trail descriptions only make up 10 or 20% of the text. Off-trail travel turned out to be easy in the Wind Rivers, though.
The book has a short and very interesting account of the history of Wind River exploration.

Awesome guide for the experienced mountaineer.......2002-08-08

This book outlines hundreds of different routes up all of the Wind's well-known peaks (as well as several not-so-well-know ones). He did a phenomenal job amassing all of this information. There is enough here for a short lifetime of awesome mountain trekking.

The information Kelsey gives is mean, lean, and straight to the point. Novices beware, this book makes no attempts to come down to anyone's level. It is written for those grounded in that arts of route-finding, technical climbing, and alpine survival. It is not a hiking book. If you are uncomfortable with this, either buy a more toned-down Wind River guide, or pick up a book to build your skills like "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills" and start psyching yourself up for some world class backcountry.

A must for the Wind River hiker and mountaineer.......1998-06-07

Joe Kelsey has taken the old trail book of Finis Mitchell's and turned it into a Trail and Mountain Guide that leads you to every nook and crany, you would want to go.

Book Description

Popular interest in the observation and study of freshwater invertebrates is increasing. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America meets the needs of this growing audience of naturalists, environmentalists, anglers, teachers, students, and others by providing substantive information in easy-to-understand, nontechnical language for many groups of invertebrates commonly found in the streams, lakes, ponds, and other freshwater environments of North America.

Section I provides background information on the biology and ecology of freshwater organisms and environments and explains why and how invertebrates can be studied, simply and without complex equipment, in the field and the laboratory. Section II describes nearly 100 of the most common groups of invertebrates, and for each group a whole-body color illustration is provided along with brief text pointing out the most important features that identify members of the group. Section III contains in-depth descriptions of the life history, behavior, and ecology of the various invertebrate groups, and explains their important ecological contributions and relationships to humans.

The Guide is broad in scope, geographically and taxonomically, and it is written at a substantive yet easily accessible level that will appeal to both novices and those with more advanced knowledge of the subject. It also contains more than 100 specially commissioned color illustrations by the well-known scientific illustrator Amy Bartlett Wright that will greatly facilitate the easy and rapid identification of specimens.

Customer Reviews:

A Guide for to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of NA.......2007-09-08

My teaching partner and I will use this in our Freshwater Ecology class at the secondary level. It is a great basic guide that will be used as a reference tool and identification resource at an introductory level. Excellent for the money.

Easy to use, beginner to entomologist.......2007-06-08

This book contains easy to understand pictographs for beginners, plus distinguishing characteristics for experienced entomologists. A major plus to any and every watershed association out there, and every limnology, water pollution biology, fisheries, etc. class offered at the collegiate level.

A definate must have for nymph fishermen as well!

Well done for a price that doesn't take a bite out of the pocketbook!

Great book!.......2007-03-08

This book is great for beginners or someone who wants to brush up on invertebrates. The descriptions are wonderful, as are the pictures. Highly recommended!

A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America.......2007-01-11

This book is used by 20 Stream Monitors in our area. It is invaluable for identifying the macroinvertebrates netted in the stream. The varieties found determine the health of the stream.

Great Reference.......2006-11-06

This is a great general reference on "water bugs". I like the way the book is organized, well written descriptions for each group/family/species and I love the illustrations. A great book to get folks of all ages interested in aquatic critters, water quality, and stream ecology.

Salmon Without Rivers: A History Of The Pacific Salmon Crisis

Average customer rating:

Peter Morrison
Great read
Pacific Northwest Salmon History Book
A captivating, human, informed book
Save the salmon and us

Salmon Without Rivers: A History Of The Pacific Salmon Crisis
James A. Lichatowich
Manufacturer: Island Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1559633611

Amazon.com

The image of salmon battling upstream through whitewater cataracts to spawn in their birthplace is integral to any happy vision of the Pacific Northwest. Sadly, because they face more insidious obstacles than swift currents, few people today actually witness this remarkable spectacle. Armed with exhaustive research and an ability to synthesize his findings into a concise, readable indictment of the status quo, Jim Lichatowich, a fisheries scientist for 30 years, traces the sudden decline of Northwest salmon populations following the onset of Euro-American settlement. He points a finger at the usual suspects: logging, mining, damming, grazing, irrigation, commercial fishing, and development. Moreover, he cites the political establishment for a failure of nerve. Since the shift from a Native American "gift" economy based on sustainability to a profit economy based on self-interest and short-term financial gain, the historically resilient salmon have met one adversary after another, with little or no help from the legal apparatus charged with their protection. In fact, federal and state governments have responded to the deepening crisis mainly by building fish hatcheries up and down the West Coast. Contrary to the beliefs of entrenched bureaucrats and sport fishermen, says Lichatowich, hatcheries have merely diluted the gene pools of wild stocks while allowing resource extractors to continue their multifarious operations and politicians to shirk their responsibilities. In 1960, for instance, after decades of declining runs, the Washington Department of Fisheries reported, incredibly (and characteristically), that new advanced management techniques would soon result in "salmon without a river"--more welcome news to those who would continue to exploit these iconic fish and their habitat. At the dawn of the 21st century hundreds of hatcheries still operate, yet Northwest salmon populations have decreased 95 percent.

Lichatowich is a learned and persuasive advocate for wild salmon. He's also eloquent, as in this description of his first visit to the Columbia River's Grand Coulee dam:

As I sat there wondering and swatting mosquitoes, the face of the dam lit up. It was the start of the nightly laser show.... Appropriately, the lasers sent a series of large green dollar signs floating through the darkness. Then a series of laser salmon swam across the face of the dam. Here were the ideal salmon, I thought, the fish that fit perfectly into our worldview. We have complete control over them--press a button and they appear; press another and they change from green to red; press another and they swim over the dam. Salmon and dams are compatible--as long as you are not particular about the kind of salmon.

So what to do? Lichatowich opines that we need a new "worldview," one that places natural resources within a context of respect and sustainability. He looks to state and federal governments to enforce the protections already granted by laws like the Endangered Species Act. And he sees evidence that public perceptions may be changing on such issues as habitat conservation and biodiversity; breaching four dams on the lower Snake River to aid fish passage would have been unthinkable even in the early 1990s. Whether this new worldview can save salmon in time is another question. --Langdon Cook

Book Description

"Fundamentally, the salmon's decline has been the consequence of a vision based on flawed assumptions and unchallenged myths.... We assumed we could control the biological productivity of salmon and 'improve' upon natural processes that we didn't even try to understand. We assumed we could have salmon without rivers." --from the introduction

From a mountain top where an eagle carries a salmon carcass to feed its young to the distant oceanic waters of the California current and the Alaskan Gyre, salmon have penetrated the Northwest to an extent unmatched by any other animal. Since the turn of the twentieth century, the natural productivity of salmon in Oregon, Washington, California, and Idaho has declined by eighty percent. The decline of Pacific salmon to the brink of extinction is a clear sign of serious problems in the region.

In Salmon Without Rivers, fisheries biologist Jim Lichatowich offers an eye-opening look at the roots and evolution of the salmon crisis in the Pacific Northwest. He describes the multitude of factors over the past century and a half that have led to the salmon's decline, and examines in depth the abject failure of restoration efforts that have focused almost exclusively on hatcheries to return salmon stocks to healthy levels without addressing the underlying causes of the decline. The book:

describes the evolutionary history of the salmon along with the geologic history of the Pacific Northwest over the past 40 million years
considers the indigenous cultures of the region, and the emergence of salmon-based economies that survived for thousands of years
examines the rapid transformation of the region following the arrival of Europeans
presents the history of efforts to protect and restore the salmon
offers a critical assessment of why restoration efforts have failed

Throughout, Lichatowich argues that the dominant worldview of our society -- a worldview that denies connections between humans and the natural world -- has created the conflict and controversy that characterize the recent history of salmon; unless that worldview is challenged and changed, there is little hope for recovery. Salmon Without Rivers exposes the myths that have guided recent human-salmon interactions. It clearly explains the difficult choices facing the citizens of the region, and provides unique insight into one of the most tragic chapters in our nation's environmental history.

Customer Reviews:

Peter Morrison.......2005-09-11

This is a must read book for anyone interested in salmon, rivers and the ecology and history of the Pacific Northwest. Excellent information and a good read.

Great read.......2005-08-02

This is an excellent book that documents the history of salmon, how native Americans viewed them and how modern Americans view them. It focuses on why the pacific northwest is facing a salmon crisis, and our failed attempts to replace what we have lost. Great read for anyone who is concerned about environmental issues.

Pacific Northwest Salmon History Book.......2003-12-02

Salmon Without Rivers is a great book of historical facts. It includes many issues like; original salmon locations/populations, "Economy over Environment" issues, and the ineffectiveness of large decision making commissions/agencies. However, with all his good background information the book does not propose any solutions nor investigates today's coastal human communities as they relate to the salmon and/or habitat.

A captivating, human, informed book.......2001-01-16

As a freelance author writing a piece about salmon for a California-based magazine, this book was indispensible and eye-opening. It is unfailingly sensitive and intelligent about salmon, discussing the fish as fellow creatures in the "natural economy" in which we all live, rather than as mere commodities in the "industrial economy" that has transformed the West in the last 150 years. It is fascinating about the geology that shaped the salmon's environment, the evolutionary history of the fish, the relationship between Native Americans and salmon in the Northwest, and it provides a detailed history of the many factors that have led to the salmon's decline, including habitat destruction, misbegotten hatchery programs, overfishing, dams, mining, grazing, irrigation. If you like to read books about ecology, the creatures of the earth, fish, or the Northwest--you can't go wrong. This is a wonderful book.

Save the salmon and us.......2000-12-24

A thoroughly researched and impassioned presentation including the history of salmon, their decline, why billions of tax dollars in restoration efforts have had paltry returns, and insights into the where we should go from here. A complex issue is examined from many perspectives in an easy to read and compelling book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in salmon.

Mississippi Floods: Designing a Shifting Landscape

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Mississippi Floods: Designing a Shifting Landscape
Anuradha Mathur , and Dilip da Cunha
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0300084307

Book Description

Each time the waters of the mighty Mississippi River overflow their banks, questions arise anew about the battle between "man" and "river." How can we prevent floods and the damage they inflict while maintaining navigational potential and protecting the river's ecology?

The design of the Mississippi and how it should proceed has long been a subject of controversy. What is missing from the discussion, say the authors of this extraordinary book, is an understanding of the representations of the Mississippi River. Landscape architect Anuradha Mathur and architect/planner Dilip da Cunha draw together an array of perspectives on the river and show how these different images have played a role in the process of designing and containing the river landscape. Analyzing maps, hydrographs, working models, drawings, photographs, government and media reports, paintings, and even folklore, Mathur and da Cunha consider what these representations of the river portray, what they leave out, and why that might be. With gorgeous original silk screen prints and a fine selection of maps, the book joins historic, scientific, engineering, and natural views of the river to create an entirely new portrait of the great Mississippi.

Average customer rating:

Not the best in the series, but worth the time to read

Blessings in Disguise

all the books were wonderfu.

Wish there were more

Is Blessing a Town, State of Mind or a Predicament?

Blessing in Disguise (Red River of the North #6)
Lauraine Snelling
Manufacturer: Bethany House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Tender Mercies (Red River of the North #5)

The Reapers' Song (Red River of the North #4)

A Land to Call Home (Red River of the North #3)

A New Day Rising (Red River of the North #2)

An Untamed Land (Red River of the North #1)

ASIN: 0764201964
Release Date: 2007-02-01

Book Description

Her first mistake was emigrating alone. Was this one even worse? Augusta Bjorklund, after discovering her intended bridegroom married someone else, decided to leave her broken heart in Norway and start a new life in America. But knowing no English, Augusta misunderstands a ticket agent's directions in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in the harried confusion, she boards the wrong train. Her Bjorklund relatives eagerly await Augusta's arrival in North Dakota. When the train reaches the town of Blessing with the woman nowhere in sight, the worried family hopes she will be on the next train. But the following morning only her trunk shows up. Arriving at the end of the line, Augusta is met by a handsome young rancher, Kane Moyer, who is waiting for his Norwegian mail-order bride…. She told him she was headed for Blessing. Why will he not take her there?

Customer Reviews:

Not the best in the series, but worth the time to read.......2003-04-08

I love this series, but Augusta isn't my favorite character and I really wanted to spend more time with the folks in Blessing. I also thought that the plot was a little too far-fetched. Most of what Ms. Snelling writes is very true to homesteading (with the usual concessions to fiction), but this was one was harder to see happening that Augusta would get that lost and not end up dead or used. God does work in mysterious ways, so I can imagine it could have happened, just unlikely. But I was glad to see more of the characters in Blessing!

Blessings in Disguise.......2002-12-01

I read this book in the series first. I found it with the new arrivals in the library. I couldn't put it down. When I discovered it was the LAST in a series, I went to find the first book. Ms. Snelling writes in a way that compells you to continue to the next chapter to see what will transpire. It's nice to find a book written this well that is historical fiction!!!. I enjoy reading about the pioneer era in this county. These historical details are a nice addition to the plot of the "lost" heroine Augusta. However,I would suggust reading the books in order.

all the books were wonderfu........2001-09-25

I for one would like for you to write more about the people you introduced to us in Blessing, N.D. Like, does Penny and Mary Martha have children, does Karen start a school for the deaf, does Zeb McCallister come back and etc.? What those people went through reminded me of my parents and grandparents went through when they came here from Norway many years ago. Thank you for some great reading. Ardith Haraldson

Wish there were more.......2001-06-19

The only problem I could see with the Red River Series was that it had ended.I would very much enjoy finding out if Hjelmer and Penny ever became parents and whatever would become of Kaaren"s school.It would have been nice to see all of the Bjorkland children grown and the town grow as well.Ms.Snelling could make them into a saga instead of just a series.I thoroughly enjoyed all of the books.

Is Blessing a Town, State of Mind or a Predicament?.......2001-06-15

I am so glad I waited for book six in this series because after book five I was ready to throw in the towel. However, this one more than compensated my determination to finish the series!

Augusta- the oldest Bjorkland daughter is finally immigrating to the United States. Her mother, Bridget is excited to have her join the staff of her new Boarding House in the town of Blessing. Henry has come into Bridget's life, but she is way too old for romance - or is she?

Kane is introduced in the book for the first time and is a bachelor-rancher who has sent for a mail order bride from Norway. He lives a whole state away in South Dakota. A lost letter of explanation lends incredible suspense and disaster to his life.

A cluster of unavoidable situations and horrible consequences because of language barriers lead to some exciting, troubling legal, spiritual and familial fiascoes which take emotional toll and tax the patience of the families of the participants.

The storyline does move from Blessing to the Ranch and the journeys of Hjelmer but Snelling does a great job keeping it systematized and integrated. I found it somewhat frustrating to have to leave a character when the author chose to jump to a different location, but I understood her reasoning.

A good portion of the book is consumed with the search for Augusta, carried out by Hjelmer and Henry at the insistence of Bridget. A generation gap complete with different expectations and considerably exclusive social mores causes part of this book to become a mystery as well.

Many of the original characters are now in the background, and this book primarily features Hjelmer, Bridget, Kane and Augusta. The manner in which their lives become interwoven is masterfully orchestrated and carried out with intrigue, suspense and emotion.

I highly recommend the complete series of six books, and I recently learned that Lauraine Snelling has instituted a down-the-line-sequel series titled "Return to Red River." The first book is called "A Dream to Follow" and I intend to read this new series as well.

I do think the author needs a finer tuned editing system to keep straight the names of her characters, but for the most part, the excitement of this final book in the series more than made up for the slight variations.

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Great Whitewater Read

Whitewater Classics: Fifty North American Rivers Picked by the Continent's Leading Paddlers
Tyler Williams
Manufacturer: Funhog Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Texas Whitewater

ASIN: 0966491939

Book Description

Whitewater Classics features top whitewater destinations from the jungles of Mexico to the tundra of Alaska. The continent's most notable rivers and most influential paddlers are chronicled in this instant classic of river literature.

Part guide book, part history book, and part story book, Whitewater Classics is a must for any whitewater enthusiast.

Customer Reviews:

Great Whitewater Read.......2004-12-12

I have really enjoyed this book which features 50 Classic Whitewater runs across North America. Inspired by the book Fifty Classic Climbs, this is not a book of the "best" runs, the most challenging runs, or even the most popular runs, although any given river often fits into one of these categories. The common thread among all these rivers is the fact that they each have their own colorful and unique personality and history, and even if you haven't been there anyone who has spent time around the sport has heard of these runs--they are the true Classics.

In selecting the rivers for this book Tyler enlisted the assistance of leaders in the sport. Some were pioneers while others have just emerged as the sports newest ambassadors. He includes those who represent different styles of paddling including play boaters, expedition paddlers, racers as well as those who use different types of boats including kayaks, open boats, and C-1s.

The format of the book includes a profile of each of the 50 paddlers and then a description of the run they have selected. Here Tyler has made the effort to dig a little deeper than most and you can tell he put some serious effort into his interviews as he traveled around the country talking to boaters; you'll find some history and stories that have not been published before.

The layout of this book is excellent with full-page color photos illustrating each run. Maps help orient the reader to the location of each river. While the descriptions themselves are fairly comprehensive, Tyler concentrates on telling the story of the river and why it's a whitewater classic; his ability to do this is what really makes this such a wonderful book. This is not a guidebook but references are included to help one find more detailed run descriptions.

This book is a labor of love and I highly recommend it as a fun title well deserving of a place on the shelf of every whitewater boater's library. I doubt many have run all the rivers in this book, but that sure would be a fun, and challenging, project.

The Si'lailo Way: Indians, Salmon, and Law on the Columbia River

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A Free-flowing Masterpiece

The Si'lailo Way: Indians, Salmon, and Law on the Columbia River
Joseph C. Dupris , Kathleen S. Hill , and William H. Rodgers
Manufacturer: Carolina Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1594600856

Product Description

This book traces more than a century of legal, political, and social battles waged by Columbia River Indians as they fought for the survival of wild salmon and their inherent right to harvest them. Many of the stories focus on Celilo Falls, a place of captivating natural beauty and spirituality that also served as a trade center for tribes throughout the Northwest. Celilo Falls disappeared under the backwaters of The Dalles dam in March of 1957.

The stories are told through the eyes and words of the people, especially the Indian people, who lived through them -- from the 1855 Walla Walla Treaty Council proceedings through the fraudulent purchase of the Warm Springs Tribe's fishing rights (via the so-called Huntington Treaty) to the negotiations and payments made for the flooding of Celilo Falls. Each chapter features the creative (and often highly effective) legal means invoked by the Indians to protect their fisheries and their way of life. Several documents of historical value are reproduced in the appendix.

The Foreword is written by Vine Deloria, Jr.

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A Free-flowing Masterpiece .......2006-07-17

This book emphasizes what everybody shoud have done for a long time : listening to the Indians of the Pacific Northwest to protect the rivers and salmon. Serious and sometimes irreparable damages have been made on these rivers and salmon because of a continuing destruction or bad management by greedy or selfish nonIndians. It is time now to respect the Si'lailo Way and to restore the rivers following this way.

The Connecticut River Boating Guide, 3rd: Source to Sea (Falcon Guide)

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The Connecticut River Boating Guide, 3rd: Source to Sea (Falcon Guide)
Connecticut River Watershed Council
Manufacturer: Falcon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0762740973

Book Description

The authoritative guide to the Connecticut River for boaters, canoeists, and kayakers.

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