A one-act play about Alaska becoming the 49th state.

The largest by far of the fifty states, Alaska is also the state of greatest mystery and diversity. And, as Claus-M. Naske and Herman E. Slotnick show in this comprehensive survey, the history of Alaska’s peoples and the development of its economy have matched the diversity of its land- and seascapes. Alaska: A History begins by examining the region’s geography and the Native peoples who inhabited it for thousands of years before the first Europeans arrived. The Russians claimed northern North America by right of discovery in 1741. During their occupation of “Russian America” the region was little more than an outpost for fur hunters and traders. When the czar sold the territory to the United States in 1867, nobody knew what to do with “Seward’s Folly.” Mainland America paid little attention to the new acquisition until a rush of gold seekers flooded into the Yukon Territory. In 1906 Congress granted Alaska Territory a voteless delegate and in 1912 gave it a territorial legislature. Not until 1959, however, was Alaska’s long-sought goal of statehood realized. During World War II, Alaska’s place along the great circle route from the United States to Asia firmly established its military importance, which was underscored during the Cold War. The developing military garrison brought federal money and many new residents. Then the discovery of huge oil and natural-gas deposits gave a measure of economic security to the state. Alaska: A History provides a full chronological survey of the region’s and state’s history, including the precedent-setting Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, which compensated Native Americans for their losses; the effect of the oil industry and the trans-Alaska pipeline on the economy; the Exxon Valdez oil spill; and Alaska politics through the early 2000s.

This well written book is filled with the wildlife adventures and experiences of Pat Valkenburg during his 49 years as a biologist/pilot in Alaska. It documents numerous interesting stories and facts about Alaskan wildlife, the importance of field work, and various contacts with backcountry residents. I highly recommend this book for hunters, naturalists, and others interested in wildlife management. I share Pat's strong opinions on the high value of field-oriented wildlife surveys and studies. Victor Coggins, Wallowa District Biologist, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Retired Wildlife Mgmt. Services, Owner I met Pat Valkenburg in 1994, during an ADF&G predator control project. I quickly figured out Pat was part of the department's "A" team, consisting of wildlife managers, pilots, researchers, and a few arctic cowboys. He is now part of a retired generation of wildlife experts. These biologists were the best of the best, not only in the nation but in the world. To make it even better, they were true conservationists. Collectively, we may never see a group of wildlife scientists of this caliber again. Their connection to the land and animals led them to many scientific discoveries which are an important part of Alaska's past. Pat's writings should be a recommended read in our educational system and for active wildlife biologists, shaping the historical record for future generations. Elaina Spraker, Soldotna, Alaska. I have deep admiration for Patrick, having grown up hearing stories about him and later working extensively with him throughout Alaska. When I learned he was writing a book, I knew immediately it would be great reading and a real contribution to Alaska's natural history literature. When I saw it, I was not disappointed. One of the best books I have read, written with keen insights and observations that only someone of exceptional experience can have. Mark Keech, Pilot/Biologist, Swift Fork Air, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Alaska celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Statehood on January 3, 2009. Part of the celebratory 2009 year had John H Venables trouping across Alaska visiting 20+ towns with his one man re-enactment presentations, dressed in period attire of three eras that led to statehood. His programs were supported by the Alaska Humanities Forum and the Rasmuson Foundation.This book features three characters in the Journey to Statehood: U. S. Secretay of State William Henry Seward (1867) who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia; Judge James Wickersham (1939), Alaska's first federal judge in the interior of Alaska, 1900-1908, who established civil government in a lawless, corrupt and violent region: and E. L. "Bob" Bartlett (1958), Alaska's Delegate to the U. S. Congress, telling how Alaska secured Congressional approval for statehood. The book has these three stories and several historical photos.