The masterful story of the scientific rebel who dared to think outside the box—and changed the course of geologic history The land between Idaho and the Cascade Mountains is characterized by gullies, coulees, and deserts—in geologic terms, it is a wholly unique place on the earth. In the 1920s, legendary geologist and professor J Harlen Bretz peered back in time to answer the riddle of how this land came to be, becoming one of the first people to explore the area. Defying the conventional wisdom of his peers, Bretz saw a landscape that had been instantly scoured by a flood of unprecedented scale. Though met with public and academic humiliation—his theory sounded too much like the biblical flood—Bretz persevered and went on to discover what everyone else had failed to see. Bretz's Flood tells the dramatic story of this scientific maverick—how he came to study the region, his radical theory that a huge flood created it, and how the mainstream geologic community campaigned to derail him from pursuing an idea that satellite photos would confirm decades later.

CLICK HERE to download the first three chapters from Live! From Death Valley “Eloquently written, Soennichsen’s book is a triumph of reportage reminiscent of McPhee.” —Publishers Weekly * A compelling narrative about one of the most mysterious places on Earth by acclaimed nonfiction writer Soennichsen Death Valley is a place of record-breaking heat and unexplained natural oddities—a place where salt beds descend a thousand feet below the surface; where inch-long fish swim in a 112-degree creek; where huge boulders slide mysteriously across a dry lakebed. There are also gas stations, convenience stores, a visitor center, and a five-star hotel. Despite the modern conveniences, however, it’s still quite easy to die in Death Valley. Author John Soennichsen spent decades hiking, exploring, and observing as much of this forbidding yet fascinating region as possible. Based on journals kept during his travels, Live! From Death Valley relates his experiences in the region and examines the history, geology, and philosophical inspirations of the surrounding area. Alongside his own stories Soennichsen weaves an imaginative retelling of William Manly and the Bennet-Arcane party’s fateful pioneer trip through Death Valley in 1849–50, as well as modern-day tales of UFO sightings, doomsday prophets, and movie and TV production sets. Part guidebook, part autobiography, part narrative, Live! From Death Valley chronicles the raw history, weirdness, and geographical charm of this extraordinary place.

This in-depth examination of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 provides a chronological review of the events, ordinances, and pervasive attitudes that preceded, coincided with, and followed its enactment. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was a historic act of legislation that demonstrated how the federal government of the United States once openly condoned racial discrimination. Once the Exclusion Act passed, the door was opened to further limitation of Asians in America during the late 19th century, such as the Scott Act of 1888 and the Geary Act of 1892, and increased hatred towards and violence against Chinese people based on the misguided belief they were to blame for depressed wage levels and unemployment among Caucasians. This title traces the complete evolution of the Exclusion Act, including the history of Chinese immigration to the United States, the factors that served to increase their populations here, and the subsequent efforts to limit further immigration and encourage the departure of the Chinese already in America.

CLICK HERE to download the intro and section on exploring "Lower Crab Creek" from Washington Channeled Scablands Explore Washington's canyons of Ice Age wonders -- great trails, stunning scenery, and amazing history * Comprehensive guide to a fascinating region rich with history and recreational access to camping, hiking, fishing, and more * The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail was designated by the National Park Service in 2009. Once completed, the Trail will connect interpretive facilities, signage, and other tourism activities * Features regional maps and photos Often overlooked by those cruising on the highway to Spokane or the Tri-Cities area, more than 2,000 square miles of terrain in eastern Washington are home to a striking collection of sharp-edged coulees slicing through a crust of basalt. In this stunning landscape, deep lakes fill the depths of dramatic gorges flanked by steep walls of towering rock columns, labyrinthine channels, and wide tracts of scabby rock that give the region its name -- geologically, no other region in the world contains features like those found in the Channeled Scablands. Where-to guidebook and travel narrative come together in the Washington's Channeled Scablands Guide to offer a comprehensive and intimately knowledgeable tour of this one-of-a-kind region. Local writer and historian John Soennichsen is your guide to fascinating lore; snapshots of the unique towns connected by this singular landscape; descriptions of the unique geology; advice on how to explore whether by auto, horseback, canoe, bike, or on foot; and essential info like where to fuel up and stop for dinner. Take the family to scenic camping and fishing in Coffeepot Lake, and read out loud the legend of Old West outlaw Harry Tracey as you cruise along on a "Back Roads Auto Tour." Lace up your boots for a cross-country hike in the Juniper Dunes Wilderness Area or up Badger Mountain Trail. Explore the unearthly crater-like formations in the Telford-Crab Creek Tract, or set up with your camera for a stunning sunrise over Palouse Falls. Whether you're a boater looking for new waterways to explore, a naturalist interested in unique ecosystems, or just a curious traveler -- if you're seeking adventure and intrigue just a little off the beaten path, you'll find the keys to a whole new world of exploration with Washington's Channeled Scablands Guide.

The first complete history of Angel Island -- a journey through more than 200 years: Miwok Indians, Spanish explorers, soldiers, immigrants appear here in their varied roles -- a kaleidoscope of people and events from 1775 to the present.

"Westward journey is the story of Will Barlow's overland trek from Michigan Territory to the California gold country in 1849. When his father and mother die within a few weeks of one another, young Will must make a choice--try to work the family farm alone, or sell out and travel to California with the Wades, a struggling family who have been forced to abandon their own home and land. Opting to leave Michigan, Will begins his cross-country journey with the Wades and soon discovers the dysfunctional make-up of the mysterious couple and their three children. He also inadvertantly becomes an advocate for the cheerless but attractive Mary Wade, abused wife of the tight-lipped and violent Henry Wade. Written from Will's point of view, Westward Journey combines elements of classic literary fiction with the spirit of adventure popularized in the books of 19th century writers such as Mark Twain and Charles Dickens. This is simultaneously a coming-of-age story, romance, and western adventure, yet it is also painstakingly accurate, employing more than two dozen sources to ensure its historical intergrity. Many of the characters and events are based on actual people and occurrences in the mid-1800s" --Cover p. [4].

The Channeled Scablands are a geologically significant region of eastern Washington. Here, among the dramatic coulees, gullies and potholes lies a small, Russian founded town where secrets beneath the earth have been concealed for centuries. Will their discovery and exposure mean disaster for the town and its people?

Lance Loomis has a problem. It's not that he's a balding, middle-aged man who is 75 pounds overweight, behind on his rent and in desperate need of female companionship. It's not the fact that nobody takes him seriously as a private detective and his PI license looks like a library card. It's not even that he is forced to work out of a janitorial supply closet while his office is being painted. No, these are just minor annoyances in his everyday life. Loomis's problem is that he's entangled in two unsolved murder cases that would baffle even the cleverest detective, which Lance is most definitely not. Who murdered the beautiful redhead as she pedaled her stationary bike? Who ran over the rich tax accountant as he crossed the street carrying Italian takeout? To solve these two seemingly unrelated crimes, Loomis finds himself interviewing a host of suspects ranging from an egotistical talk show host who calls himself the white man's Oprah, to an elderly janitor who regularly attends meetings of the New German Social Club. Meanwhile, Loomis has been targeted for death by the Norwegian Mafia. As Lance patrols the hot, summer streets of Spokane in his 1978 Renault Le Car, he is intermittently assisted by a slimy street hood named Vinny, whom he never actually hired and who is clearly more trouble than help. Loomis also befriends the captivating Jill Morgan, who first appears at his office vacuum-packed in a little black dress, with a tale of murder to tell. The plot of The Fat Detective recalls the gritty crime stories popularized by writers like Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, while also paying homage to the comic absurdities of movies such as Airplane and The Naked Gun. The world of Lance Loomis is populated by strange characters, bizarre settings and out of the ordinary occurrences. If compared to the work of other contemporary writers, The Fat Detective might be described as resembling a tag team effort by Carl Hiassen and Dave Barry. Lance Loomis will never be another Sam Spade or Alex Cross. But his reverence for detectives of their ilk drives him on to search for clues, develop theories, and narrowly escape death as he attempts to solve two cases at the same time. All while continually grazing through bags of Cheetos and boxes of chocolate coated mini-donuts.