• First Wilderness (Revised Edition)

  • My Quest in the Territory of Alaska
  • By: Sam Keith
  • Narrated by: Michael Kirby
  • Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (12 ratings)

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First Wilderness (Revised Edition)  By  cover art

First Wilderness (Revised Edition)

By: Sam Keith
Narrated by: Michael Kirby
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Publisher's summary

After serving as a US Marine during World War II and attending college on the GI Bill, Sam Keith decided to seek adventure in Alaska as a laborer on the Adak Navy base. There he befriended Dick Proenneke, whose shared love of the outdoors, hard work, and self-reliance quickly bonded an alliance between the two. Together they explored the wilds of South Central Alaska, while working on the Navy base, hunting and fishing with friends and breathing in the great outdoors. Keith was ready to leave after three years of finding almost everything he sought—not realizing then how his fate was intrinsically tied to his friend's and how it would lead to writing the bestselling book One Man's Wilderness.

Sam Keith passed away in 2003. But in 2013, his son-in-law and children's book author/illustrator Brian Lies discovered in an archive box in their garage a book manuscript, originally written in 1974 after the publication of One Man's Wilderness. First Wilderness is the story of Keith's own experiences, at times harrowing, funny, and fascinating. Along with the original manuscript are excerpts from his journals, letters, and notebooks, woven in to create a compelling and poignant memoir of search and discovery. Foreword by Nick Jans, one of Alaska's foremost authors and photographers, and afterword by Keith's daughter Laurel Lies.

©2014 Sam Keith, Brian Lies, and Laurel Keith Lies (P)2023 Tantor

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What listeners say about First Wilderness (Revised Edition)

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Beautifully written

the descriptions were so vivid that I felt like I was there in Alaska with them! wonderful book! if you like this book definitely read the other one about Dick's life. it too is wonderfully written by Sam and very vividly descriptive also. Wonderful book!

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Incredible story - MUST READ

I’ve read and reread One Man’s Wilderness over the years and was excited to find this jewel. It gives me a whole new appreciation for Alaska and the story of Dick Proenekke.

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