Because Michener's novels include such a variety of information, it may seem that he uses an army of researchers to help him. But Michener, with degrees in English, philosophy, and history, is his own best research assistant. Since 1972, his editorial assistant John Kings has read and commented on Michener's works before they are sent to the publisher. In Alaska, Michener uses techniques he has perfected in his previous novels. After a geological description of the Alaskan terrain, Michener depicts the arrival of its prehistoric animal and human occupants.

He develops more completely events and people in historic eras, and in the last two sections, explores modern political, social, and economic repercussions for Alaska and its inhabitants.

One especially striking technique in Alaska is Michener's use of the epic journey. The odysseys of many of the human characters are among the most descriptive, as well as the most enjoyable...