A word of advice: when
you pick up either one of the superb books written by Michael
and Heidi Pfeil Dougherty (and the rest of the editorial staff
at Ultimate Press), take five minutes and read the INTRODUCTION.
You might think that would be a logical place to start with
any book, but when I open a new atlas or travel guide, my
first inclination is to skim through the various sections
and see what pops out. Both of these works, The Ultimate
Wyoming Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia and The Ultimate
Montana Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia, have so much detail
and so many fascinating facts that you may find yourself overwhelmed
and momentarily at a loss for discovering the best way to
use them.
The Doughertys and their staff have gathered
a truly awesome amount of information about local history,
routes, lodging, and natural wonders in both Wyoming and Montana.
If you take the time to read the introduction, the organization
of the book will make a great deal more sense and enrich your
experience of the materials. The articles in each of the books
are gathered from a variety of sources including pieces from
historical societies, transcriptions of oral histories, tall
tales, and independent research by the authors.
Both of the books feature comprehensive
lists of lodging, dining, historical locations, and recreational
attractions in each of several geographic sections in each
state. Although advertisements appear on many pages from local
merchants, the information is presented in an easily accessible
format. Hundreds of black and white photographs and easy-to-read
maps complement the well-written explanatory text throughout
the books. While these books clearly live up to their "Encyclopedia"
names, a prevailing sense of humor and keen appreciation for
the land's natural and human-created wonders imbues each page.
Both of these books can be enjoyed from the comfort of your
favorite reading chair or riding shotgun as you drive down
a scenic by-way. My only suggestion, and I hope the authors
will heed it in a future edition, would be adding a list of
the 65 scenic drives scattered in the text of the books.
Whether you are looking for the home range
of the reclusive Jackalope or the mysterious Ryegate Woodpeckers,
you want to learn about the geologic forces that shaped Wyoming's
Devil's Tower, or you need driving directions to explore Montana's
Swan River National Wildlife Refuge, these books are essential
tools for roadtrippers in Wyoming and Montana. We give both
of them our highest endorsement.
Mark
10/31/04
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