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Wild Coast

John Gimlette

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Barry Lopez

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Alaska's Inside Passage

READING AND TRAVEL GUIDE

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Order an essential package, and we'll ship any additional items for free. We offer a mix of guidebooks, maps, field guides, novels and books on art, architecture, history, nature and culture.

Essential Reading

Item EXALA259. Buy these 5 items as a set for $85 including shipping, 15% off the retail price.
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Alaska's Southeast, Touring the Inside Passage

Alaska's Southeast, Touring the Inside Passage

by Mike Miller

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2008
  • PAPER
  • 295 PAGES

Our best-selling book on Alaska, this practical guide includes not just information on where to go and what to do in the region (with terrific town maps) but also a good overview of the area's natural history, culture and geography. (ALA23, $17.95)

Coming into the Country

Coming into the Country

by John McPhee

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1976
  • PAPER
  • 438 PAGES
  • FAVORITE

McPhee's lyrical portrait of frontier life and some unforgettable Alaskan characters captures the spirit of the place like no other. (ALA04, $18.00)

Marine Mammals of Alaska

Marine Mammals of Alaska

by Kate Wynne

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2007
  • FLEXI-BOUND
  • 75 PAGES

Designed for use in the field, this indispensable guide features large color photographs, key information and detailed range maps for all the whales, seals and other marine creatures of Alaska and the Bering Sea across to Russia. (ALA08, $25.00)

The Nature of Alaska

The Nature of Alaska

by James Kavanagh

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 176 PAGES

This clear illustrated field guide to mammals, birds, seashore life, fishes, trees, shrubs and wildflowers features 300 color illustrations. (ALA137, $14.95)

Alaska and Canada's Inside Passage

Alaska and Canada's Inside Passage

by Coastal Cruise Tour Guides

  • 1995
  • MAP

This accordion map-guide folds into a booklet, at a scale of 1:1,000,000. (ALA12, $15.95)

 
Alaska Explorer Map

Alaska Explorer Map


by Ocean Explorer Maps

  • 2002
  • MAP

An informative, well-illustrated map of all Alaska at a scale of 1:3,800,000, aimed at cruise and expedition travelers in the region. (ALA153, $11.95)

Canada's Yukon and South Central Alaska Map

Canada's Yukon and South Central Alaska Map


by Coastal Cruise Tour Guides

  • 1998
  • MAP

Featuring handsome topographic maps that fold down into a booklet, this guide also includes sections on visitor attractions and highlights. With seven fold-out maps of Prince William Sound, Kodiak Island, Denali National Park, Katmai and Kenai Peninsula. (ALA55, $15.95)

Denali National Park and Preserve Map

Denali National Park and Preserve Map


by Trails Illustrated

  • 2011
  • MAP

A durable, fold-up topographic map of Denali and surroundings. (ALA88, $11.95)

Inside Passage Route Planning Map, Northern British Columbia & Southeast Alaska

Inside Passage Route Planning Map, Northern British Columbia & Southeast Alaska


by Fine Edge Nautical Publishing

  • 2006
  • MAP

At a scale of 1:634,000, this gloriously colored, accordian-fold map by Don and Reanne Douglass covers the Inside Passage from Bella Bella and Shearwater north to Southeast Alaska, including the Queen Charlotte Islands and Glacier Bay. (ALA267, $19.95)

Alaska Almanac

Alaska Almanac


by Alaska Northwest

  • REFERENCE
  • 2011
  • PAPER
  • 240 PAGES

Zany facts and figures on the geography, history and culture of Alaska. Peppered with only-in-Alaska jokes and goofy illustrations, it makes for leisurely, entertaining browsing for the whole family. (ALA21, $12.95)

Alaska By Cruise Ship

Alaska By Cruise Ship


by Anne Vipond

  • GUIDEBOOK
  • 2011
  • PAPER
  • 352 PAGES

A compact, illustrated guide to ports of call, excursions and sightseeing from Seattle to Anchorage. With a short overview of the culture, nature and history of Alaska, a full-color pull-out map and excellent town maps. (ALA125, $21.95)

Alaska, Saga of a Bold Land

Alaska, Saga of a Bold Land


by Walter R. Borneman

  • HISTORY
  • 2004
  • PAPER
  • 608 PAGES

In this wide-ranging history, Borneman captures the personalities, bravura and challenges of Alaska, describing the days of the fur traders and explorers, the gold rush, the building of the railroads and current controversies. (ALA187, $16.99)

The Native People of Alaska

The Native People of Alaska


by Steven Langdon

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 2002
  • PAPER
  • 128 PAGES

A brief overview of the indigenous peoples of Alaska, with 55 photographs, maps and illustrations. Organized by group, it includes chapters on the northern, Bering Sea and Aleut Eskimos, people of the interior and Pacific Northwest coast. (ALA181, $9.95)

Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast

Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast


by Hilary Stewart

  • ART & ARCHITECTURE
  • 1979
  • PAPER
  • 111 PAGES

A concise, illustrated overview of the diverse art produced by the peoples of the Pacific Northwest. It focuses on the spiritual and cultural meaning of common motifs that characterize the rich art of the area. (PNW06, $17.95)

Into the Wild

Into the Wild


by Jon Krakauer

  • BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
  • 1997
  • PAPER
  • 224 PAGES

The gripping tale of a young man searching for experience, wilderness and self, who meets his end in the wilds north of Mt. McKinley. (ALA52, $14.95)

Passage to Juneau

Passage to Juneau


by Jonathan Raban

  • TRAVEL NARRATIVE
  • 2000
  • PAPER
  • 435 PAGES

In this thoughtful account of the sea and its meaning, Raban weaves the tale of Vancouver's original voyage of discovery with his own adventures on a solo journey aboard a 35-foot ketch along the Inside Passage. (ALA94, $15.95)

The Blue Bear

The Blue Bear


by Lynn Schooler

  • BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
  • 2003
  • PAPER
  • 272 PAGES

A longtime guide in coastal Alaska, Schooler writes with ucommon grace in this elegy for his friend, wildlife photographer Michip Hoshino, and their search for the elusive glacier bear. (ALA357, $13.99)

The Island Within

The Island Within


by Richard Nelson

  • EXPLORATION
  • 1991
  • PAPER
  • 284 PAGES

A beautifully written tribute to the Pacific Northwest. Drawn from the author's journals, this is an account of the natural and cultural history of an island in the waters of Haida Strait, with emphasis on the relationship between people and the land. (ALA17, $17.00)

The Only Kayak, A Journey into the Heart of Alaska

The Only Kayak, A Journey into the Heart of Alaska


by Kim Heacox

  • TRAVEL NARRATIVE
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 280 PAGES

Heacox writes with warmth and insight of his 25 years living in Glacier Bay in this loving memoir of the history, nature and allure of the place. Braided through the larger story are tales of gold prospectors and the cabin they built sixty years ago; John Muir and his intrepid terrier, Stickeen; and a dynamic geology professor who teaches earth science "as if every day were a geological epoch." (ALA230, $16.95)

Travels in Alaska

Travels in Alaska


by John Muir

  • EXPLORATION
  • 2002
  • PAPER
  • 248 PAGES

The centerpiece of this beloved classic is Muir's wide-eyed account of the discovery of Glacier Bay. (ALA16, $15.00)

Alaska

Alaska


by James Michener

  • LITERATURE
  • 2002
  • PAPER
  • 1073 PAGES

Michener tackles the 49th state in this rousing epic tale of men and wildlife on the frontier. (ALA56, $15.95)

Murder at Five Finger Light

Murder at Five Finger Light


by Sue Henry

  • MYSTERY
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 272 PAGES

Sue Henry, who has lived in Juneau for 25 years, draws on Alaskan history, lore and landscape for this classic who-done-it set on an old lighthouse on the Inside Passage. (ALA266, $6.99)

The Reader's Companion to Alaska

The Reader's Companion to Alaska


by Alan Ryan

  • ANTHOLOGY
  • 1997
  • PAPER
  • 395 PAGES

A volume of 28 eyewitness reports on the Alaskan wilderness over the last 100 years, including pieces by John Muir, Barry Lopez and Jon Krakauer. The long excerpts are presented geographically with separate sections on the Inside Passage, Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali. (ALA53, $22.95)

Geology of Southeast Alaska: Rock and Ice in Motion

Geology of Southeast Alaska: Rock and Ice in Motion


by Harold Hilton Stowell

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 140 PAGES

An illustrated guide to the geography, glaciers and geological formation of coastal Alaska from Ketchikan to Skagway with detailed geological maps and color photographs throughout. (ALA220, $19.95)

Guide to the Birds of Alaska

Guide to the Birds of Alaska


by Robert Armstrong

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 2008
  • PAPER
  • 364 PAGES

A handsome photographic introduction to Alaskan birds, illustrating all 443 species. (ALA09, $27.95)

The Great Alaska Nature Factbook

The Great Alaska Nature Factbook


by Susan Ewing

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 2011
  • PAPER
  • 224 PAGES

Perfect for Alaska-bound families, this new edition of Susan Ewing's pocket encyclopedia gathers facts and figures on the 49th state's natural history, with short illustrated essays on everything from murrelets to volcanoes, bears and salmon. (ALA28, $14.95)

The Inside Passage to Alaska

The Inside Passage to Alaska


by Art Wolfe

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 2008
  • HARD COVER
  • 240 PAGES

A longtime resident of the Pacific Northwest, Wolfe celebrates the islands, glaciers and wildlife of the Inside Passage in this photographic tribute. (ALA263, $22.95)

The Presence of Whales, Contemporary Writers on the Whale

The Presence of Whales, Contemporary Writers on the Whale


by Frank Stewart

  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • 1995
  • PAPER
  • 319 PAGES

In this well chosen series of essays, some of our best modern writers enlighten and entertain on the subject of whales, with pieces from Roger Payne, Diane Ackerman, and Barry Lopez. (BST02, $15.95)

Alaska Birds

Alaska Birds


by James Kavanaugh

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2001
  • PLASTIC CARD
  • 12 PAGES

Slip it into your daypack: a handy, 12-panel fold-up card illustrating the most commonly encountered birds of Alaska. (ALA207, $5.95)

Alaska Wildlife

Alaska Wildlife


by Pocket Naturalist

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2000
  • PLASTIC CARD

This laminated card features color drawings and short descriptions of commonly encountered birds, mammals and reptiles of Alaska. We also carry Alaska Birds. (Item ALA207) (ALA123, $5.95)

Alaska's Seashore Creatures: A Guide to Selected Marine Invertebrates

Alaska's Seashore Creatures: A Guide to Selected Marine Invertebrates


by Carmen Field | Conrad Field

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 96 PAGES

A slim, illustrated guide to more than 50 invertebrates found along the coast of Alaska. (ALA80, $12.95)

Alaska, Travellers' Wildlife Guides

Alaska, Travellers' Wildlife Guides


by Les Beletsky | Dennis Paulson

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 456 PAGES

A guide to the most commonly encountered birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and marine invertebrates of Alaska featuring 320 handsome color illustrations and descriptive information on each species. (ALA119, $27.95)

Familiar Plants of Coastal Alaska

Familiar Plants of Coastal Alaska


by Stephen MacLean

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2010
  • PAPER
  • 224 PAGES

Ship naturalist MacLean features common and interesting plants, lichens, mosses, ferns and trees of temperate coastal rainforest habitats in Alaska in this compact photo guide. One of his favorite places is Ideal Creek, near Petersburg, "which has a wonderful U.S. Forest Service boardwalk trail through Alaska's old growth temperate rainforest, with moss and lichen species distributed from the forest floor to the canopy far overhead. Visitors are often surprised to find orchids in the forest and adjacent wet meadows." (ALA329, $19.95)

Field Guide to Alaskan Wildflowers

Field Guide to Alaskan Wildflowers


by Verna Pratt

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 1990
  • PAPER
  • 136 PAGES

With 350 color illustrations, it's slim enough to slip into your pocket. (ALA40, $15.95)

Marine Mammals of the Eastern North Pacific

Marine Mammals of the Eastern North Pacific


by Sea Grant Alaska | Pieter Folkens

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2010
  • PLASTIC CARD
  • 8 PAGES

This 8-panel waterproof card illustrates Alaska's whales, dolphins, sea otters and seals. (ALA143, $10.00)

National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America

National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America


by Jon Dunn

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2011
  • PAPER
  • 576 PAGES

From Alaska to Baja California, Nova Scotia and Florida, this guide is the veteran's choice for birding anywhere in the United States. Tabbed for easy access, the color range maps in this sixth edition are outstanding. (FG09, $27.95)

Northwest Field Guide, Inside Passage to Glacier Bay

Northwest Field Guide, Inside Passage to Glacier Bay


by Rainforest Publications

  • FIELD GUIDE
  • 2005
  • PLASTIC CARD

This seven-panel, folded and laminated card is an easy-to-carry identification guide to fish, marine and land mammals, sea and shore birds. (PNW211, $6.95)

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Here are some other groups of books that might be of interest

Longitude provides recommended reading for travelers in partnership with the leading tour operators and travel programs for hundreds of destinations worldwide. We've got the classic, new and hard-to-find books and maps to help you get the most out of your adventures.