#3028277 in Books Council Oak Books 1998-10-01Format: IllustratedOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .55 x 5.25l; .70 #File Name: 157178067X206 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent Read - Reveals Another Time PlaceBy D. C. BeamanAllow me to preface my review by stating that I must have some prejudices regarding this work. You see; Libby Beaman was my Great Grandmother and so I was delighted to learn my Aunt Betty John took the time and had the skill and patience to put together such a wonderful and revealing look at life in another world. The Pribilof Islands lie in the Bering Sea; removed from the "civilized" world and yet full of examples of how we "citified" people might learn the values exemplified by the Aleut Natives.Betty uses the Sketches; Letters; and Journal of Libby Beaman to recreate an amazing world that is at times mysterious; unsettling; and impossibly primitive while also being wondrous; beautiful; and compelling to the visitor of these islands. Libby is also a singularly unique and independent human spirit; who was very much set against being stereotyped and confined by the dictates of the mid-1800's. Interestingly; she reminds me a lot of my maternal Grandmother; Amelia Rico; who was frequently referred to as "Pancho Villa" (rebel) because of a mindset that set her apart from the conventional guidelines for women during her time. Both were women ahead of their times!Getting back to "Libby;" I was impressed with the content and composition of my Great Grandmother's letters; notes; and journals. Her gifted communications make reading about her Pribilof experiences; adventurous and entertaining; as well as extremely informative. It occurrred to me how much more available other cultures and countries would be were these presented in a format similar to what we have here in "Libby". For me; the storyline concerning my relatives makes the reading even more irresistable. Indeed; our human condition; I believe; embraces a certain amount of voyeurism--be it sexually or non-sexually derived. Therefore; Libby's tale held me entranced and hungry to read on to discover what lay ahead in her next episode.I only wish she had written more about the experience there; as well as her experiences back home ... her exposure to such people as Abraham Lincoln; Rutherford B. Hayes; the Franklin family; etc. I'm sure had many anecdotes worthy of exposure. Unfortunately; I don't believe in this possibility ... but then again ... I never thought I would find my Aunt Betty's scrumptuous concoction; "Libby ..."0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A beautiful bookBy andrea treonmy aunt wrote the book...She wrote and published prior to Libby; however; Libby is by far her best work. Libby is both historically beautiful; and Libby's art work from her journal; lovely. Yes; my aunt took a tiny bit of creative license; but for the most part held true to the story. I; at one time; physically had art work and journal in hand.Betty was herself a well recognized enamellist; wife of one of the founders of the Cleveland Clinic. She had an intriguing life during world war II.Trust you may read this book at some time.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Hardships in History during the Fur Seal TradeBy CLI would recommend this to high school kids for a history class assignment. Some great discussions would prevail I'm sure.
