Alaska: A Visual Tour of America's Great Land

Love this book !

Bob Devine, this excellent study of Alaska’s author, has done a truly superb job in telling the story of “America’s Great Land”. His writing is crisp and always interesting as he takes his readers through each section of the state, letting them understand not only many of the scenic wonders in each portion but also the people who live and work there. For the narration alone, I am glad that I purchased this book. It deserves no less than a solid 5-star rating, something that many of early reviewers have awarded it.But Alaska: A Visual Tour is also a large coffee table-sized picture book and it is here that it loses points quickly. A recent reviewer expressed disappointment because the “images are old and low quality” and “they look a little blurry”. Though some of photographs included here are indeed old, at least they are if the late 1970s or 1980s fits the description of “old,” that is not so much the problem as is the printing of them all. I have seen some of these pictures in other books. There they are sharp and well-focused; here they appear blurry and, yes, sadly out of focus. That fact rests on the shoulders of National Geographic, the editors of which are responsible for the manufacture of the book. For such an inflated price, one should expect perfection and it is not to be found here. And that is a shame especially given Devine’s excellent text. There are some nice shots included but not nearly enough. Perhaps, if one were to stretch evaluation, the visual side of this book might receive 2.5 stars but little more.If then one values narration over visual content, the entire book should probably get a total of, say, 3.75. Pictures first, narration a weak second: nothing higher than a 3.25 probably less. That comes to an average of 3.5 which is, of course, unavailable to give. Since this volume is primarily designed to be a “visual tour,” however, 3.0 stars is more than fair. I am at a loss to understand all the 5-star ratings of this book. Apparently none of those reviewers has ever seen any of the many far superior photographic books that are on today’s market especially just about anything done by Juneau’s Mark Kelly, one if which is in the same listing where this volume can be found.

Gift. Liked.

Bought as a gift for my mother who’s cruise was canceled due to Covid. Acceptable substitution. She loved it. Quality photos and nice thick paper. Well made.

I have made 7 trips to Alaska this book allows me to see some the areas again and read about them. My travels by train bus and car have allowed. Me to see a lot more than most visitors. And this book brings me back to wonderful memories.

Beautiful books. It brought back some wonderful memories of my trip to Alaska. Gorgeous photos

Fabulous pictures and commentary

Better than anticipated. Ordered a second one for my son

A beautiful reminder of my trip there. The book covers much of Alaska, not just the tourist bits.

A brilliant book - gives tremendous detail and photography as well as interesting stories and history of the different regions of Alaska - highly recommended !

A superb book which brought back memories of my trip to Alaska. Outstanding photography!

Excellent book !

Just a little detail in one of the pages, but everything else is in perfect condition.