Fascinating book. James Gilchrist Swan(1818-1900) was a pioneer in the Washington Territory. Ivan Doig has taken bits and pieces of Swans journals and followed his footsteps adding his own commentary along the way. Swans full journals have yet to be published so this is a peek into Swans life.

I found only one thing that frustrated me. I would have liked dates instead of day one, day two at the beginning of the adventures. It would have given clarification to the journal.

Share/Like this Review?

I love reading Ivan Doig's books. He is such a wonderful wordsmith. I live in the PNW and thoroughly enjoyed reading about the culture of the Makahs and other indigenous tribes here. The Makahs are permitted to continue their Makah heritage of annual whale hunts now, and of course you see their art and that of the Haida tribes all over here, including the famous totem poles. Swan lived with the Makahs for years and knew their language and had great admiration and love and respect for them. The only reason for giving only 3 stars is the difficulty of reading the diaries and placing them in the correct times and locations.

Share/Like this Review?