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Kings of the Yukon: An Alaskan River Journey Paperback – June 6, 2019
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**Winner of the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award 2018 and the Lonely Planet Adventure Travel Book of the Year 2019**
'Weymouth combines acute political, personal and ecological understanding, with the most beautiful writing reminiscent of a young Robert Macfarlane. He is, I have no doubt, a significant voice for the future' Andrew Holgate, Sunday Times literary editor
'Adam Weymouth takes his place beside the great travel writers' Susan Hill
A captivating, lyrical account of an epic voyage by canoe down the Yukon River.
The Yukon River is almost 2,000 miles long, flowing through Canada and Alaska to the Bering Sea. Setting out to explore one of the most ruggedly beautiful and remote regions of North America, Adam Weymouth journeyed by canoe on a four-month odyssey through this untrammelled wilderness, encountering the people who have lived there for generations. The Yukon's inhabitants have long depended on the king salmon who each year migrate the entire river to reach their spawning grounds. Now the salmon numbers have dwindled, and the encroachment of the modern world has changed the way of life on the Yukon, perhaps for ever.
Weymouth's searing portraits of these people and landscapes offer an elegiac glimpse of a disappearing world. Kings of the Yukon is an extraordinary adventure, told by a powerful new voice.
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherPenguin
- Publication dateJune 6, 2019
- Dimensions5.08 x 0.67 x 7.8 inches
- ISBN-100141983795
- ISBN-13978-0141983790
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Product details
- Publisher : Penguin (June 6, 2019)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0141983795
- ISBN-13 : 978-0141983790
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.08 x 0.67 x 7.8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,711,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,726 in Ecotourism Travel Guides
- #5,835 in Travel Writing Reference
- #7,025 in Environmentalism
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Hello, and thanks for visiting -
My first book, Kings of the Yukon, tells the story of a 2000 mile canoe trip across Canada and Alaska, investigating the cause of the king salmon's decline, and how that decline is impacting on the many different communties and ecosystems that depend on it. It won the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year (2018) and the Lonely Planet Adventure Travel Book of the Year (2019).
The idea for that book, paddling the Yukon from source to sea, grew out of a long love of slow, overland journeys. Ten years ago I walked from England to Istanbul, and more recently I walked across Scotland to explore how people would feel about the proposed reintroduction of the wolf. That same love led to me living on the canals of England, and I'm currently on a Dutch barge on the River Lea, with my girlfriend and little daughter. We spent last year living on the island of Lesvos, and working at Moria refugee camp.
Most of my work explores that place where the human and the non-human world overlap, and tries to give a voice to both those worlds. I've written on everything from vanishing villages in Alaska to reforestation projects in Malawi, immigration in Greece to land reform in Scotland, activism in India and hitch-hiking in Britain.
There's a collection of my work at my website: www.adamweymouth.com
Twitter: @adamweymouth
Thanks to Chris Boulton for the author photo
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book an enjoyable read that immerses them in the adventure. They appreciate the well-written, eloquent writing style and beautiful descriptions of the scenery, wildlife, and culture. The story provides an interesting perspective on salmon and the Yukon River. Overall, readers find the book informative and thought-provoking, providing a valuable look into the area and its people.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it entertaining and informative, allowing readers to experience the trip firsthand.
"A very good read , well balanced in the view and observations on the possibility of real climate change , I would say let the reader make their..." Read more
"...Definitely worth a read for any interested in the anthropology, ethnology and/or biology of the far North. 4 stars." Read more
"...However, he lets the reader really live the trip. You'll want to keep following on a map and look up the incredible people that he meets...." Read more
"...the story was interesting enough, and the narrator (audiobook) was quite good, so I still enjoyed it...." Read more
Customers enjoy the story. They find it engaging and informative, with a well-written adventure and regular digressions into history, biology, and culture. The gentle pace and regular references to salmon biology make this a great primer on the species.
"...The gentle pace and the regular digressions into history, biology and culture make this a page turner on the one hand and a book that can be savored..." Read more
"This is a very interesting and a beautiful story about Adam's canoe trip all the way from Canadian side of Yukon River through Alaska, then to the..." Read more
"...run of King Salmon, and yet hope as so many unite to save these magnificent fish...." Read more
"Not only is Adam's trip down the Yukon a great story, but it's very well written...." Read more
Customers find the book informative and well-researched. They appreciate the interesting take on the challenges King Salmon face. The story is described as a meaningful road trip with great descriptions. Readers praise the author's good work.
"A very good read , well balanced in the view and observations on the possibility of real climate change , I would say let the reader make their..." Read more
"...A road trip with meaning, with a deep insight of how we should meet each other and listen to other cultures views on our common world...." Read more
"...Ulli, keep 'an coming - a reader in Oregon appreciates you and your good work!" Read more
"...Very entertaining and informative. Thanks." Read more
Customers like the writing quality. They say it's well-written and eloquent.
"...I would say let the reader make their decision on that , otherwise great writing the book gives the reader a feel for the Yukon basin , this is a..." Read more
"Not only is Adam's trip down the Yukon a great story, but it's very well written...." Read more
"...Well written but not always to read the truth" Read more
"...It was like being back there. Very well written." Read more
Customers find the book visually appealing. They say it provides a nice portrait of a river and ecosystem, as well as a look into the culture of Alaska and Canada.
"...a bit sad, but never flinching from reality this is is a beautiful portrait of a river and an ecosystem...." Read more
"A raw look at the status of the King salmon fishery and the largely native communities along the river. Well written but not always to read the truth" Read more
"This was a great look into the Yukon and culture of Alaska and Canada which is exactly why I wanted to read the author's journey." Read more
Reviews with images
Beautifully descriptive
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2018At times a bit sad, but never flinching from reality this is is a beautiful portrait of a river and an ecosystem. I was saddened when the author finally reached the sea as I had become bitten with the desire to stay in the rather unforgiving environment he describes so eloquently. While not long, this book covers a lot of ground (literally and intellectually) as the author explores the longest river in Alaska and Yukon territory (an area not shortchanged in terms of rivers). The gentle pace and the regular digressions into history, biology and culture make this a page turner on the one hand and a book that can be savored on the other. Strongly recommended.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2019A very good read , well balanced in the view and observations on the possibility of real climate change , I would say let the reader make their decision on that , otherwise great writing the book gives the reader a feel for the Yukon basin , this is a very fragile part of the world and all development should be approached very cautiously
- Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2019This is a very interesting and a beautiful story about Adam's canoe trip all the way from Canadian side of Yukon River through Alaska, then to the Bering Sea. Along the way learn about the five species of salmons and their migration, wildlife, Oil pipeline, diseases, villages, towns, indigenous cultures, bridges/dams, climate changes, history of Alaska, and that water could take your life or it could save your life. You got to have respect for it. Also that the Alaska state flag was designed in 1927 by a 13 years old Alutiig boy name Bennie Benson in a statewide competition. The flag is dark blue background with eight yellow stars representing the Big Bear or Big Dipper along with the North Star (Polaris). Another interesting story was about the wolf is the doctor of all animals. The wolf chase the caribou or whatever animal and kills only the weak ones, they make them sweat to stay healthy. That the animals at Yellowstone Park were all half dead and they took some wolf in there and all the animal were happy again. Bring them back to where it should be, as told to Adam by a Native of Alaska. Love the story. To bad it had to end. Learn a lot of the King also known as the Chinook salmon, Yukon river, the wildlife and the state history of Alaska and it's people. Thank you to Adam Weymouth for traveling down the river with you through the book. It would be great for gifts.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2018I'm not interested in fishing and not so found of canoeing, but even then, I couldn't stop reading the book.
It was like travelling with the author to not so well knowns territories, learning to know people and hearing them share their stories and parts of their souls. A road trip with meaning, with a deep insight of how we should meet each other and listen to other cultures views on our common world.
So much more than salmon and fishes, and even then, the author manages to make the fishy parts interesting even to me, a resolute landsman.
You will like it.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2018"Kings of the Yukon" follows the author on an epic 2000-mile canoe trip from a head-water of the Yukon River to the mouth of the river during a summer. The theme of the book mostly involves the King or Chinook Salmon and its life-cycle and recent decrease.
There are several similar books and it is difficult to keep interest up when most days would consist of, "floated down the river - saw some trees - camped". But this author manages to keep up interest by discussing the biology and management of salmon as well as the Indians (called First Nations in Canada) and their culture as he descends the river.
I spent quite a few summers 50 years ago in the area of the headwaters with my geologist father and 1 summer essentially tracing the authors journey down the river on land. The book did an excellent job portraying the North and the Yukon. Those were halcyon days spent catching salmon, char and grayling, playing with the Indian kids in whatever city or village we were staying at and learning to pan for gold taught by two Indians Luigi Piccolo, who was part of the original Klondike rush, and his young partner, Tom Horsebutt.
There is an aura of sadness regarding the shrinking of the run of King Salmon, and yet hope as so many unite to save these magnificent fish. Definitely worth a read for any interested in the anthropology, ethnology and/or biology of the far North. 4 stars.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2018I really wanted to like this book, but...I only got just past half way and my borrow time from the library was up, so I returned the book unfinished. The book was really hard to follow. I had spent three weeks in the Yukon years ago - mostly on land - much time near and sometimes on the Yukon River so I was excited to begin reading the book. Unfortunately, the author's journey is really just a back drop to conservancy and the decline of the salmon species. There was lots of interesting facts, but most of it just reinforcing the sad decline of a once great fish. There were so many outtakes about the salmon industry that it was hard to remember the journey and where the author was along the river. The book was interesting at times, but I was kind of glad when I had to return it to the library, so I no longer felt guilty for having put it down.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2020Not only is Adam's trip down the Yukon a great story, but it's very well written. If anything, the book seems too short considering the magnitude of this journey. However, he lets the reader really live the trip. You'll want to keep following on a map and look up the incredible people that he meets. Highly recommended.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2018I recommend this book to anyone seeking to understand the delicate balance between the Kings, native Alaskan & Eskimo culture, and their right to live with and off of each other. Adam & Ulli, keep 'an coming - a reader in Oregon appreciates you and your good work!
Top reviews from other countries
- H M CampbellReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars More than just a kayak journey
For anyone who has any knowledge of the problems encountered by First Nations in Canada, and the systematic destruction of their culture, this is a thoughtful and informative read. It's also a well-written account of kayaking the Yukon so if you enjoy travel writing, this is a very good read.
- alishabillmenReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 28, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars I was expecting no more that a travelogue of a 2000 mile canoe trip, but it was so much more.
Kings of the Yukon is a riveting and engrossing account of Adam Weymouths voyage, 2000 miles through Canada and Alaska, to the Bering Sea searching for the treasured King Salmon.
Firstly, this book blew me away. Literally. I felt I was there, alongside the author in my own glass-fibre canoe, in the same cold, meeting the same people. Adam Weymouth has a way with words and the further I got in this book, the more That even I felt the pull of the wilds of Alaska, a longing for the wilderness and the freedom. When starting this book, I was expecting no more that a travelogue of a 2000 mile canoe trip, but it was so much more. I never fathomed how much there was to learn about King Salmon, the people, the culture and how much of an important role the Kings played on the local people, who depend on the King Salmons runs to make their living, to go about their lives as normal.
Along the way, you learn of the past runs the Kings had, where salmon was plentiful, and the local people would fish up enough to make their wages and feed their community. But you also learn of the hardships they have had along the way, loosing family members, floods, stricter regulations from the ADF&G which made fishing more controlled, which was before unheard of. I found myself engrossed into their lives and experiences, smiling at their recounts of “the good old time’s” and shedding a tear at their hardships.
Kings of the Yukon taught me the important role the King Salmon hold and has highlighted the importance of their preservation. Threats to wild Pacific salmon include habitat destruction from development and mining activities, dams and other blockages in rivers, unregulated overharvesting, and a rapidly changing climate, and I hope we can do something to prevent their loss. I never thought I would need a book in my life to learn more about these incredible fish, but I am ever so glad that I picked this book up.
- Derrick LintonReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 3, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Book
Great read
- Thomas TunstallReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 31, 2021
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
I thought this would be a canoeing book. It's not. Its more a social anthropological study of the Yukon written in a canoe. That being said, its worth a read, and correlation between king salmon and the residents of the Yukon, both indigenous and settler is interesting.
- KCLSReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2018
2.0 out of 5 stars A Lecture on the problems with Salmon in the Yukon on every page
I bought this, in great part because of this review in the blurb - "A captivating, lyrical account of an epic voyage by canoe down the Yukon River."
Most of this book is about the problems of salmon in the Yukon, the good and the bad things, the effect on the people of their decline etc. It seems a very worth tome on those subjects, with regular, similar lectures to make sure you get the point. However, I bought it, expecting a lyrical and captivating account of a voyage, which gets a vague mention, occasionally. Admittedly, I skip-read the lectures (after the first few) in the hope of getting to the bits about the voyage, scenery, non-salmon-based wildlife etc, so I may have missed good bits trying to avoid the sad salmon theme I read, understood and deplored during the first couple of chapters. On the whole, I'd say this is really not a travel/journey at all, but a treatise on fish, that the ad-men have decided needs to hit a rather different market. Honestly, I got really bored, but then I never did like being lectured.