Overview

In images and narratives, Native River recreates a vision of the mighty Columbia River as it appeared when it ran wild and free. Featuring a wealth of illustrations, maps, and photographs, many never before published, this finely crafted book focuses on the 350-mile reach of the middle Columbia River-from Priest Rapids in south-central Washington to the U.S.-Canadian border. Layman gives us the unique opportunity of picturing the great river, and humankind's relationship to it, prior to the building of seven major dams that now harness the Columbia's power and obscure its former features under reservoirs. The author affords each segment of this waterway its own unique rich visual documentation. This forms a backdrop to compelling river stories, told in a variety of perspectives and voices. Included are Native American legends and lore, the cryptic messages of ancient rock art, accounts of white explorers and immigrants, and Layman's own insightful observations. In his research, Layman forged a special, cooperative relationship with the indigenous peoples who still call the Columbia River valley their home. The artful blending of geological, cultural, and historical story telling in Native River unifies the reader's experience of the untamed Columbia.

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9780874222579

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Reviews

A fascinating look at the Northwest's main water artery and its commercial and cultural significance through time. A valuable piece of scholarship. -- Pacific Northwest Quarterly A valuable perspective on the evolution of the middle section of the Columbia River. --Oregon Historical Quarterly Most impressive are the photos, visual reminiscences that Layman researched, identified, and ultimately collected from a variety of sources. --Spokesman Review The historic photographs alone are a valuable compilation and a powerful aid to memory. --Oregon Historical Quarterly The original river, in its natural vigor, [comes] alive, so too do the original life ways of the Columbia's long dwelling people. --Columbiana Magazine

Author Information

William Layman is a mental health counselor with a private practice in Wenatchee, Washington. He is also co-founder and artistic director of North Central Washington Playback Theatre Company.

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