A Fascination with Alaska

Beyond the Alaskan Cruise Naturalist

Explore the awe, complexity, and enduring mystery of America’s last frontier. In A Fascination with Alaska: Beyond the Alaskan Cruise Naturalist, marine biologist William Stickle shares a lifetime of exploration, research, and teaching in Alaska’s wild and varied landscapes. With over sixty visits since 1967, Stickle offers a compelling portrait of the state’s dramatic geography, rich history, diverse ecosystems, and the effects of a changing climate. From the temperate rainforests of the southeast to the icy peaks of the Alaska Range, this engaging narrative blends scientific insight with personal experience, including sea star studies, student fieldwork, and encounters with whales, glaciers, and Native cultures. Ideal for curious travelers, scientists, and anyone captivated by the North, this book goes beyond the cruise ship to uncover the natural forces and human stories that make Alaska one of the most fascinating places on Earth.

©2025 William Stickle (P)2025 William Stickle