The Aleutian Islands ─ Living on the Edge

In this compelling narrative of words and vibrant images, Ken Wilson captures a complex portrait of the Aleutian Islands and its peoples. A book years in the making, Wilson presents a collection of striking photographs that powerfully depict the islands’ tumultuous weather and stunning landscape that have drawn so many to the islands’ shores. Wilson’s stunning images capture the islands’ unpredictable moods, from the swirling fogs to the windy shores to the lush greens of summer.

The accompanying essays tell stories of life on the island: the stories of the Unangan people, who have made the islands their home for centuries, tell of ancestral ties and ancient legends that ground their connections to the island. In contrast, the anecdotes from tourists and newer island residents discuss the allure of the islands’ tempestuous beauty and the rich history of the region.
A groundbreaking work of photography and oral history, The Aleutian Islands is a captivating volume that writes a new chapter in the documented history of Alaska life and culture.

Ken Wilson’s photos have appeared in Audubon magazine, Time for Kids, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife magazine, Bugle, and several regional and local publications in Alaska and the southeastern United States. Prior to becoming a freelance photographer, he spent thirty-five years in the newspaper industry in North Carolina and Wyoming.