The Klondike Stampede

This classic in Yukon gold rush literature was originally published in 1900 and has long been out of print. Tappan Adney, a New York journalist, was dispatched to the Yukon in 1897, at the height of the gold fever, to "furnish news and pictures of the new gold fields". Adney joined the northward migration, chronicling the day-to-day experiences of the stampeders. He moved comfortably among the would-be miners, recounting their stories, the sights along the route, and the hopes and fears of the many men - and handful of women - who shared his journey to the gold fields. The book contains excellent descriptions of the people, places, events, and experiences of the Klondike stampede. The account of the Klondike gold fields, which includes pragmatic discussions of such things as mining techniques, cabin-building, and the operation of dog teams, is solid, reliable and fascinating. Adney was not only a good writer, he was also an accomplished photographer, and there are over 160 photographs and drawings in the text, adding an important visual dimension to the book. After it came out, The Klondike Stampede rarely received the attention it deserved, although northern specialists have long found much of value in its pages. Its re-publication will ensure that this valuable book will be read again by those seeking an insightful and accurate account of the world's greatest gold rush.