Synopses & Reviews
Most people don't understand Alaska because they don't know how to see it. The author, a resident for more than a quarter of a century, explains the real way to see the 49th State. Alaska's a big state with a lot to brag about, but with typical Alaskan modesty, the author shares the Northland experience and promotes understanding, not only with his words, but with a series of scale maps comparing individual states to Alaska. To promote further understanding, he illustrates the differences and similarities. Imagine how New Jersey, the most densely populated state would be if it had as many people per square mile as Alaska. Or if Alaska had the same population concentration as the District of Columbia. The book convincingly makes the case that the original peoples got it right when they called their home Alaska meaning "The Great Land." If that's not enough, the book includes a vocabulary section to educate the visitor to the local lingo.
Synopsis
Alaska is the largest state in the Union. It's a big state with a lot to brag about, but with typical Alaskan modesty. If you've visited or lived in the 49th State for any length of time, you know Alaska is also a state of mind.
Authors J. Stephen Lay and Sue Mattson share some northern insights and experiences. With a series of maps and statistical comparisons, they illustrate the state's differences and similarities to the "Baby States": (all of those states smaller than Alaska) with great humility.
Whether you're looking at the Lower 49 or the rest of the world, you'll understand the authors' contention that the original inhabitants of state had it right when they called their home Alyeska, "The Great Land."
About the Author
A writer, photographer, and teacher, J. Stephen Lay in recent years has worked throughout North America, in Africa, in Australia, and Thailand, after living twenty-six years in Alaska.