Alaska Summary
James A. Michener

Alaska Summary

Approximately a billion years ago there was a protuberance in the northwest corner of what was to become North America. This landmass would become the future Alaska. A half billion years ago, this landmass had no mountains or trees or other growth. In winter, the sun remained low in the sky for six months while summer temperatures could reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Some sea life was moving onto land at this time.

Thus begins the novel, Alaska, by James Michener. Written in the typical Michener style, the book begins with the geological formation of the Alaskan land mass. Michener describes how animal and plant life occurred in the area and how the three basic groups of natives arrived. Conditions were harsh but the people survived, as did the animals.

Michener examines how the Russians expanded into Alaska in response to the lucrative fur... View more of the Alaska Summary