Two Years in the Klondike and Alaskan Gold Fields 1896-1898: A Thrilling Narrative of Life in the Gold Mines and Camps

by William Haskell

“This is the plain story of one who began life in a little township of Vermont about thirty-two years ago, and who, several times during the past two years, has been dangerously near losing it in a search for gold along the glacier-bound coasts of Alaska, in the frozen regions of the Yukon, and in the rich gulches of the Klondike.” William B. Haskell, with thirty dollars in his pocket, set off west to find his fortune in the West. Over the next two years he panned and dug in search of gold in the freezing conditions of Canada and the Klondike. Two Years in the Klondike and Alaskan Gold Fields 1896-1898 is a brilliant account of the short period that Haskell risked his life for “rich dirt — enough to provide them with a comfortable amount of gold dust.” “Woven around a detailed, frequently humorous narrative of the successes and failures of the author and his partner, the book offers insights into Klondike life ranging from practical advice on the techniques of cabin and boat building to observations on the virulence of mosquitoes, tent care, the quality of Klondike ‘restaurants,’ and the wisdom of justice dispensed by Alaskan miners’ meetings in the absence of any other form of law.” Ian N. Higginson, Polar Record “His account of his months in the North has the drama and color of the bestsellers he most likely read” Charlotte Gray, Gold Striking It Rich in the Klondike “Unlike most of the books on the Klondike, Haskell told folks how life really was in the gold camps. He didn’t bother to make exaggerated claims or paint a rosy picture. … surprisingly easy to read, and his unique observations and witty remarks help make the book a gem.” Jeremiah Wood, The Outdoor Sporting Library Two Years in the Klondike and Alaskan Gold Fields 1896-1898 formed the basis of the Discovery Channel’s mini-series Klondike directed by Simon Cellan Jones and produced by Ridley Scott. Haskell was played by Richard Madden. Haskell’s book was first published when he returned from the Klondike in 1898.

Genres: History, Biography, Adventure, Nonfiction

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Russell Rainwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Klondike Gold

This book starts off as the story of the author on his way to the Klondike region to mine for gold with his partner. After he arrives and makes it through the different perils , it becomes more of the story of the news of the region ,the different strikes people and so on. It then continues on as more of a guide and reference book to those people going to the region in the 1890s. Fairly interesting at times a little too detailed with the goings on of those days

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed account of the Klondike gold rush

With great depth of detail, the author describes the hazards and difficulties endured by those who sought to strike it rich during a two year segment of the Alaskan gold rush .

[John C Covollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Klondike Gold Rush

I enjoyed the in-depth account of his personal experience. Also the descriptions of the camps and the lengths it took to get to them. Any history buff would enjoy this book.

[Eric P. Plouffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative reading and was engaging at the same time. It's amazing what these miners lived through.

There are probably only a very few people from this day and age who could live this life. Great read.

[Barry F. Altenhof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic account of life in the Klondike

Great details about the effort and danger to get in to the gold fields. The risks of mining, both physical and financial that had to be dealt with were staggering. No wasted words romanticizing the search for gold. Great reading.

[Debra L. McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

This was an excellent book. The details, based on real life experiences, put you there. I appreciate that the author details his (and others) experiences throughout his time there. If you are a history fan, this is the book about the gold rush.

[Steven Groner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully fresh, first-hand report of gold rush fever and the trying conditions explorers faced. Easier to read than the journals of Lewis & Clark but of the same grandeur. A prize of American history.

[Herbert J. Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALASKA

I loved this book the story was exciting , informative, intriguing, beautiful, and sometimes unbelievable. I would totally enjoy reading more true ALASKA stories.

[lane noyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read on the everyday life in the gold fields.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love reading books on the Klondike Gold Rush and this one was really good as it was told by someone who was actually there and going through all the hardships.

[barna richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative material on Klondike gold

Well told stories of hardships of gold seekers in 1800s klondike whose travails would be too much to most men, including me. Whatever success they achieved came well deserved and hard won.

[Glenn Wormald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haskell published this book in 1898, just prior to the stampede, as a warning to the legions of naive gold-seekers of the dangers and hardships ahead

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating first-hand account of a two-year trip to the Yukon River valley's gold fields being discovered and initially developed at the end of the 19th century. Young but experienced William Haskell and his best friend and partner set off for Alaska in 1896, just prior to the huge Klondike gold strike which started the fabled stampede north in 1898. He is an eye witness to the stampede! The primitive conditions, personal deprivations, and extremes of environment they experienced are nothing short of incredible. Haskell is a surprisingly good writer. The book was obviously written as a combination memoir and travel guide for contemporaries contemplating the trip north. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in Alaska, the Canadian Northwest, and/or the Alaska Gold Rush. It will leave you with a sense of awe regarding the ability of people to struggle and survive against incredibly brutal conditions.
One note - I read the Kindle version of the book. It is obviously a scan of the original book with very little if any editing. As a result, there are numerous typos. I was able to wade through it, but some might find it annoying.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by one of the main characters in The Discovery Channel's recent (pseudo-fictional) miniseries, Klondike. It is an easy read, which paints a vivid picture of the hardships, challenges, and accomplishments that were experienced by the pioneering Alaskan gold miners - as seen from the author's perspective. The book was intended to be read by the author's contemporaries. who might have been preparing for prospecting in Alaska, but it is also fascinating to read it from today's perspective.

I echo the previous reviewer's sentiment. Reading about tent living in -50 degree weather with no source of supplies available for months to come gives an awesome sense of gratitude for our modern comforts and conveniences.

[Catherine M Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history

very interesting reading of the 2 years of person who traveled to the Klondike it is also authorized by the narrator. if you are a history buff great historical reading

[Jason Slemons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Very well written. Written at the time of the gold rush. I think its one of the only such books to have survived the test of time.

[Joshua Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part adventure autobiography, part 19th travel guide, this book is interesting and entertaining.

[Thomas Edward micka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical data of the Klondike

This is the most comprehensive account of the Alaskan gold rush I've read so far. It seems it is factual and informative . overall worth reading.