A book detailing the rich
history of the Magic Valley has been honored with an
Independent Publishers 2003 Book Award. Secrets of the
Magic Valley and Hagerman’s Remarkable Horse (240 pp.,
$34.95, Black Canyon Communications), was named a finalist in
the history category. One winner and two finalists were chosen
from all national entries in 52 categories. More than 1,500
books were entered in this year’s competition.
Edited by Boise State history
professor Todd Shallat, Secrets of the Magic Valley
explores a number of little-known facts about one of Idaho’s
least understood regions in a richly illustrated and
easy-to-read format. Adele Thomsen, Kathryn Baxter and Jim
Frost also collaborated on the book.
Early chapters focus on the
history and ecology of the region. Catastrophic events such as
fires, floods, volcanic eruptions, extreme drought and
landslides have forged a bizarre geology of subterranean
rivers bursting through vertical canyons. The geologic record
shows that the crust of the Earth in that area is relatively
shallow, allowing for what lies under the surface to well up,
just as it still does at nearby Yellowstone National Park. In
addition, floodwaters from ancient Lake Bonneville cut
directly through the area, exposing a vast and detailed fossil
record.
Many of those fossils date back
thousands of years, pointing to a lost world — a dying river
that beckoned and later preserved the bones of vast herds of
early horses (later dubbed the Hagerman Horse). Groups of
animals were discovered just as they died, suggesting a world
that was changing faster than species could adapt.
In later chapters the text
touches on prehistoric peoples and tools as well as the
evolution of the fur trade and
exploration, Native Americans, the Oregon Trail, and ranching
and farming. It also examines the politics of water on the
Idaho Snake River Plain.
Secrets of the Magic Valley
is available through Black Canyon Communications and at area
bookstores. Copies may also be purchased through the Boise
State history department, (208) 426-1255, with $14 from the
sale of each book benefiting Phi Alpha Theta, the history
honor society.
The Independent Publisher Book
Awards are designed to bring increased recognition to titles
published by independent authors and publishers. Established
in 1996, nearly 800 “IPPYs” have been awarded to
publishers throughout North America.
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Contact
Todd Shallat
Boise State history department
208 426-3701
Media Contact
Kathleen Craven
communications and marketing
208 426-3275
