Sam Keith

Sam Keith was an American author (1921–2003). His most notable work was the 1973 best seller One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey in which he edited the journals and photographs of his friend Richard Proenneke's solo experiences in Alaska.^[1] The book was reissued in 1999 and won a National Outdoor Book Award. Text from the book was used in the documentary seen on PBS, ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS. After the release of the video and its frequent appearance on PBS membership drives, it became a runaway bestselling book.

Keith and Proenneke met while working on the Adak Naval Station in 1953, and became friends. They shared a love of hunting and fishing. During later discussions, Keith suggested that he take Proenneke's journals describing the time he spent building a cabin on the shores of Twin Lakes, AK and turning it into a book. Proenneke agreed, and the first edition of the book came out in 1973. After publication of the book, Proenneke's feelings changed. He achieved some fame, receiving visits from the likes of John Denver, but began to feel that too much publicity was coming his way. Proenneke also stated that he was displeased with some of the rewritten passages^{[citation needed]}, though he had embraced the book at its initial publication. A second book of his journal entries was later published in the public domain by the National Park Service.

References

• Sam Keith and Richard Proenneke. One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey. Alaska Northwest Books; 26th Anniv edition (May 1, 1999). ISBN 0-88240-513-6. Winner of the 1999 National Outdoor Book Award (History/Biography category).
• Richard Proenneke. More Readings From One Man's Wilderness, The journals of Richard L. Proenneke 1974–1980. National Park Service.

External links

• Friends Of Richard (Dick) L. Proenneke mailinglist