The Alaskan is an excellent novel describing the character and trials, tribulations and aspirations of a bygone generation. In it Alan Holt, a keeper of reindeer as cattle, takes on Rossland, a greedy opportunist and profiteer. Add Mary Standish to the picture and you have a fast-paced novel, far superior to much of the second and third-rate reading written today. Written by James Oliver Curwood, The Alaskan reads like a Hollywood script on the level of Amistad. The characters are real and memorable. The fact that Mary Standish considers herself to be an American while Alan Holt sees himself as an Alaskan is key to understanding the book. Must reading for those who are curious about America's recent past and the price paid in blood, sweat, and tears to make it the nation it is, The Alaskan remains a classic that is well worth reading today.