The History of Sled Dogs in North America
From the Bering Sea to the Atlantic Ocean
“….A vast and intriguing read” —David James, Anchorage Daily News
My book about the history of sled dogs on this continent has received many accolades since its publication last year, but the most recent review is the most in-depth and certainly the most stellar review of the lot. In the November 4 edition of the Anchorage Daily News, book reviewer David James writes, “At 420 large pages, it’s daunting on the surface and might cause even the most avid musher to think twice about reading it. Don’t be daunted, and don’t think twice. The writing is lively, there are plenty of illustrations, and best of all, it’s fun to read.”
James’ review is a great romp through the many parts of the book, explaining my general approach in the next paragraph: “This book is fun in part because it isn’t a linear history of sled dogs. It’s a collection of essays focusing on people and events, written by Hegener and several other contributors. It’s also a scrapbook containing numerous well-chosen older writings that were contemporary to the sport’s rise across North America. Mushing, we learn, enjoyed a popularity that, despite the Iditarod and modern long distance racing, seems to have peaked nationally during the first half of the 20th century, the period most of this book is concerned with.”
I was fortunate to secure the contributions of some of the best writers on the subject of sled dog history, people who have worked with, studied, researched, and loved these furry four-leggeds for many years. And supporting my research was another level of experts on sled dog history, care, training and more, people who answered my emails and inquiries with patience and detailed answers and valuable suggestions for further study. In his review David James describes me as “a one-woman Alaskan history machine,” for which I am honored, but this book was far more than the work of one person; this was a team effort, a full orchestra of knowledgable and experienced contributors, and I was merely the conductor.
I was especially delighted to see David’s observation about sled dog racing: “The book is primarily focused on mushing’s early days, so the Iditarod is barely even mentioned. Earlier races in and beyond Alaska get substantial coverage, however….” That was precisely my goal, to show that racing has a gloriously long and colorful past which is every bit as exciting and engaging as today’s Iditarod.
Anyone considering purchasing this book should read David’s review, for he has captured the depth and breadth of my book quite nicely, and I am particularly pleased with his final assessment, that it is “one heck of a book!”
