Alaska/Hawaii

by James A. Michener

Presents fictionalized accounts of the history of Alaska and Hawaii from prehistoric times to the twentieth century

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

1528 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

James Albert Michener is best known for his sweeping multi-generation historical fiction sagas, usually focusing on and titled after a particular geographical region. His first novel, Tales of the South Pacific , which inspired the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific, won the 1948 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

Toward the end of his life, he created the Journey Prize, awarded annually for the year's best short story published by an emerging Canadian writer; founded an MFA program now, named the Michener Center for Writers, at the University of Texas at Austin; and made substantial contributions to the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, best known for its permanent collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings and a room containing Michener's own typewriter, books, and various memorabilia.

Michener's entry in Who's Who in America says he was born on Feb. 3, 1907. But he said in his 1992 memoirs that the circumstances of his birth remained cloudy and he did not know just when he was born or who his parents were.

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of the longest, greatest reads I’ve ever had the pleasure of immersing my mind into. James Michener is the greatest writer of all time, and I don’t say that lightly. Earth shattering writing, even if the stories unfold in extreme slow motion.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read these when I was 15 (over 15 years ago). They are traditional epics, and true literary gold.
Both cover history, romance, and evolutions of civilization. I have very rarely found Michener tedious, and both these novels were honest, beautiful writing.
In a hundred years from today, they will be the classics of our time.

[Lindalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because we are planning to go to Alaska, I read this very long and detailed book. It is entertaining and informative and I was glad that I put in the time. I enjoyed meeting the various people throughout the ages.