Fulcrum Publishing
The Hank Adams reader; an exemplary native activist and the unleashing of indigenous sovereignty.
This anthology of writings by Native American activist Hank Adams, highlights the role of this important figure in negotiation of Indian rights during the volatile mid-twentieth century. Topics discussed include fishing rights, treaties, civil rights, land rights and socioeconomic issues and the volume includes both correspondence and other more formal writings. A biographical introduction is provided by Wilkins, a professor of American Indian studies at the University of Minnesota. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
The legal universe; observations on the foundations of American law.
The late Deloria, a Native American scholar of history, law, religion, and political science, and Wilkins (American Indian studies, political science, law, and American studies, U. of Minnesota) argue that a barrier inhibits minorities in achieving greater legal equality in the American political system: the inadequate development of the philosophical foundation of the American social contract, which was oriented toward a specific class of individuals and did not include divergent groups or provide guidance or protection for the masses. They claim that this contract encouraged an established elite to benefit at the expense of others and perpetuate itself. They first outline a theoretical framework and philosophical paradigm for their study and analyze the emotional dimension of the law and the limitations of the law and the social contract, while detailing the influential writings of John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Baron de Montesquieu and how property, personhood, and citizenship have been defined and manipulated to violate minority groups and elevate the status of corporations. They then discuss how policy makers have tried to deny and suppress African Americans, Native nations, women, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, children, and the environment and animals. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Modern homestead; grow, raise, create.
Wilkinson, creator of the blog HipChickDigs.com, shares urban homesteading tips, many of which are gleaned from her experience keeping chickens and cultivating vegetables on a mere tenth of an acre in Portland, Oregon. She discusses turning one's home into a homestead; cultivating vegetables; keeping chickens, goats, and ducks in the city; beekeeping; and preserving the harvest. Several garden plans, plant lists, and recipes are included as well as plans for the constructing a chicken coup and worm bin. The handbook is generously illustrated with color photographs. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Rebuilding justice; civil courts in jeopardy and why you should care.
Kourlis (founder of the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System and former Colorado Supreme Court judge) and Olin (a legal affairs journalist who is editor and publisher of Corporate Responsibility Magazine) present an agenda for civil court reform for the United States, arguing that the process has become corrupted in a manner that is undermining the ability of civil courts to play the role for which they were intended by the Founders. Among the problems they address are the intrusion of politics and money into judicial elections, the decreasing role of the jury in civil trial suits, legislative interference in court priorities exacerbated by falling court budgets that serve to de-prioritize civil cases, failure to update the rules of civil court procedure, documentary overload caused by changes in information technology and outmoded rules of documentary discovery, and excessive litigation costs. They further address how these factors play out in the realm of divorce court, the views of court insiders on needed reform, and their vision of "citizen-centered" courts. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Serengeti; the eternal beginning.
This large colorful volume of nature photography and commentary explores the landscapes, flora, and fauna of one of the most beautiful and diverse regions on the planet, the African Serengeti. The work features a voluminous collection of striking full color photographs of lions, herd animals, monkeys, and hyenas as well as stark vistas of the rolling grasslands. The volume includes extensive personal commentary from the author on issues of conservation and the deep cultural and spiritual meanings of the region. Norton is a world renowned nature and conservation photographer. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Where the tall grass grows; becoming indigenous and the mythological legacy of the American West.
This interesting look at the influence of Native American spiritualism and culture on the development of "Western" identity explores the effects of this culture on a wide variety of influential characters in American culture and documents the depth of Indian themes as they spread through Western literature, popular myth and Hollywood film. Bridger is renowned cowboy poet, musician and storyteller. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
The world-famous Alaska Highway; a guide to the Alcan & other wilderness roads of the North, 4th ed.
Brown, a former writer and editor for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Anchorage Daily News, and Alaska magazine, guides travelers on how to prepare for and enjoy a trip along the Alaska (ALCAN) Highway and connecting roads. She gives some historical background, discusses how to prepare for the trip, and describes good places for hiking, cycling, fishing, and boating. The guide includes maps and photos of attractions and wildlife. It also includes full contact information for hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
