Synopses & Reviews
In this compelling narrative of words and vibrant images, Ken Wilson captures a complex portrait of the Aleutian Islands and its peoples. A book years in the making, Wilson presents a collection of striking photographs that powerfully depict the islandsand#8217; tumultuous weather and stunning landscape that have drawn so many to the islandsand#8217; shores. Wilsonand#8217;s stunning images capture the islandsand#8217; unpredictable moods, from the swirling fogs to the windy shores to the lush greens of summer.
The accompanying essays tell stories of life on the island: the stories of the Unangan people, who have made the islands their home for centuries, tell of ancestral ties and ancient legends that ground their connections to the island. In contrast, the anecdotes from tourists and newer island residents discuss the allure of the islandsand#8217; tempestuous beauty and the rich history of the region.
A groundbreaking work of photography and oral history, The Aleutian Islands is a captivating volume that writes a new chapter in the documented history of Alaska life and culture.and#160;
Review
andquot;As a presentation of the landscapes and wildlife of the islands, this book could hardly be bettered. The pictures are wonderful and the text is thought provoking. Those who wish for an armchair excursion to the islands in question could not do better than to peruse this volume.andquot;andmdash;
Journal of the Polar RecordAbout the Author
Ken Wilsonand#8217;s photos have appeared in Audubon magazine, Time for Kids, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife magazine, Bugle, and several regional and local publications in Alaska and the southeastern United States. Prior to becoming a freelance photographer, he spent thirty-five years in the newspaper industry in North Carolina and Wyoming.
Table of Contents
1. Unangan, The Seasiders: A Culture Shaped by Three Worlds2. The Devastation of World War II3. Life in the Aleutian Islands Today: Akutan, Atka, Nikolski, Unalaska4. Traditions: An Ancient Culture Endures5. From Otter Pelts to Seafood for the World6. Rim of Fire7. The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge