Book Watch List – December

Here is a watch list of new and upcoming releases the Explorer has his eye on. Most of the titles involve a western or adventure theme. The Explorer hasn’t read any of these titles, but is hopeful a few might make it under the Christmas tree. Enjoy!

John D. McCann, Stay Alive! Survival Skills You Need, Krause Publications

-Release Date: Already Released

-Link: Stay Alive!

Henry Worsley, In Shackleton's Footsteps: A Return to the Heart of the Antarctic, Lyons Press

-Release Date: Already Released

-Link: In Shackleton's Footsteps

*Explorer’s Note: Has the Explorer already mentioned that he is a big, BIG fan of Shackleton? The Boss (as he was affectionately called by his crew) was tougher than nails. Unlike a great many of his contemporaries, Shackleton went to extreme lengths to make sure his boys were well taken care of and as safe as possible under hostile conditions. The Explorer is extremely excited to read a new take on The Boss’s adventures.  

Dr. Richard A. Hawkins, A Pacific Industry: The History of Pineapple Canning in Hawaii, Tauris Academic Studies  

-Release Date: Already Released

-Link: A Pacific Industry

M. William Phelps, The Devil's Right Hand: The Tragic Story of the Colt Family Curse, Lyons Press

-Release Date: December 6, 2011

-Link: The Devil's Right Hand 

Dan LeMay, Alan LeMay – A Biography of the Author of The Searchers, Mcfarland and Co Inc Pub

-Release Date: December 8, 2011

-Link: Alan LeMay

*Explorer’s Note: Dan LeMay is best known for two classic western novels: The Searchers & The Unforgiven. The Searchers was adapted for the the Silver Screen in 1956. The main character, Ethan Edwards, was played by none other than John Wayne and the role was one of Wayne’s best. Edwards is a complex, dark, and at times evil man, bent on seeking revenge against the Comanche Indians who slaughtered his extended family. It’s the type of role Wayne avoided later in life, and anyone who thinks The Duke possessed limited acting skills should definitely see the movie and read the book. The Explorer is excited to learn about the author of such a classic western story.

Alan Axelrod, A Savage Empire: Trappers, Traders, Tribes, and the Wars That Made America, Thomas Dunne Books

-Release Date: December 6, 2011

-Link: Savage Empire

The Explorer hopes that you are able to enjoy some of these titles over the holidays. If you are able to pick one up, do let the Explorer know.

'Til next time, this is the Ungentlemanly Explorer, signing off!