Peek Inside

Testimonials

• Laurel Bill makes historical figures come alive, from holy Indian shamans and the profane madam Lovejoy to Carmack the friend of the Natives, Kate Ryan the giant country constable and Nome fortune seekers. “Aunt Phil’s Trunk” is a treasure chest of new information bound to be of interest to historians, ethnographers and Alaskaphiles.
  

  – Jeannette Belliveau, Author, “An Amateur’s Guide to the Planet” and “Romance on the Road”

• Richly assembled with historic photos and rarely told tales, “Aunt Phil’s Trunk” is an engaging addition to Alaska’s storytelling legacy.
  

  – Alex DeMarban, Editor, First Alaskans magazine

• “Aunt Phil’s Trunk” offers a stimulating and well-researched journey to Alaska’s past. Compiled and written after decades of research, the tales of the adventures are as intriguing and fascinating as the rare old photographs.”
  

  – Jane Harper-Haines, Author, “Cold River Spirits”

• Informative and entertaining, the stories in “Aunt Phil’s Trunk” show that there is much more to Alaska than Eskimos, igloos, ice floes and polar bears. Whether you’ve lived in Alaska all of your life, or you’ve always wanted to visit, you’ll be enthralled by this collection of stories and photos chronicling a patchwork of Alaska’s forgotten heroes.
  

  – Heather Resz, Editor, Alaska Newspapers Inc.

• “Aunt Phil’s wonderful trunk is actually a treasure chest, filled with so many delights that only multiple volumes can contain them all. The late historian, Phyllis Downing Carlson, has left an incredible gift to Alaska, a rich trove of history, anecdote, folklore and yarn, which is guaranteed to enchant and charm (and occasionally surprise) even those of us who think we know Alaska’s past. I eagerly await the forthcoming volumes!”
  

  – Wayne Mergler, Author, “The Last New Land”

• “What an amazing treasure. I pride myself on being a historian, with a minor in Alaska history; but I can truly take a quick backseat to this marvelous work.”
  

  – John Gailey, tour director, John Hall’s Alaska

• “Aunt Phil’s Trunk” is a true Alaska treasure trove. The illustrations alone are worth the $19.95 price, but the narratives from front to back are equally praiseworthy. For those who love Alaska history, this easy-to-read collection is highly recommended.
  

  – William J. Tobin, Senior Editor, Voice of the Times

• "Laurel Bill has an extraordinary eye for the telling detail. She knows a good story when she hears it and knows how to tell it. Her history comes alive. Thank goodness she's turned her talents to these compelling chapters from Alaska's rich past. Some of these stories might have sadly gone untold if not for Ms. Bill. I, for one, am thrilled she's capturing these tales for all to read."

  - Kim Rich, author of "Johnny's Girl"

• "The third volume of Alaskan treasure tales from 'Aunt Phil's Trunk' is sure to be as easy a read and as delightful to avid readers of Alaska history. Drawn from the eventful stories told by Alaskans, author Laurel Downing Bill has expertly woven a seamless narrative of fascinating fact and lore spanning the triumphs and tragedies of the Great Land."

  - Pennelope Goforth, author of "Sailing The Mail"