A Year in Lapland: Guest of the Reindeer Herders

by Hugh Beach

Overview

As a young man American Hugh Beach went to live with the Saami reindeer herders of Swedish Lapland. His lyrically written and very personal story of trying to fit into the herding way of life is a rare insider’s account of the Saami. In a passionate and informed Afterword to this new edition of the book, he revisits his old friends and looks at how Sweden is attempting to balance the conflicting needs of reindeer herders and environmentalists in the 21st century.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780295998619
Publisher:	University of Washington Press
Publication date:	09/14/2015
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.75(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

Table of Contents

Preface

Preface to the English Edition

Introduction

1. A Start with Henrik

2. On to Virihaure

3. Calf Marking

4. At Home in Staloluokta

5. Parka Separations

6. Lillselet and the Moose Hunt

7. The Sarv Slaughter

8. Autumn Migration to the Lowlands

9. Winter in Jokkmokk

10. Westward with the Spring

Epilogue

Afterword to the 2001 Edition

Editorial Reviews

Through the author’s eyes, ears, and skin, the reader feels the mosquitoes’ stings and shivers at the cold breath of this northern land.

Arctic

On his first visit to Swedish Lapland, in 1973, Swedish anthropologist Beach stayed 17 months. In subsequent years he returned to take part in every phase of reindeer herding and to observe the effect of modern technology on the herders' wilderness lifestyle. His account of time spent with the Tuorpon Saami (Lapps) in the Jokkmokk District embraces an awesome story of grueling work, adventure and friendship above the Arctic Circle. Beach lived in his own goattieh , a dome-shaped, turf-covered hut with a fireplace in its center. In addition to skis and dogs, the Saami use snowmobiles (``scooters'') and walkie-talkies to gather reindeer. In summer, the main activity is calf-marking; in autumn, dividing the herds. The annual moose hunt precedes slaughter of the bucks. Winter brings the arduous task of driving thousands of reindeer from the mountains to pasture in the southeast forests. Beach gives a memorable portrait of a vanishing way of life. Illustrations not seen by PW. (May)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

American anthropologist Beach tells of his first year among the Saami reindeer herders of Swedish Lapland. His narrative interweaves adventure, descriptions of the harsh beauty of the landscape, supernatural tales, and ancient myths. Beach also explores change in the lives of the herders brought on by laws requiring village groups to move and by adaptations to new items such as rubber boots, seaplanes, and modern appliances. The author lives with the herders according to their code, just as Richard Nelson ( The Island Within , LJ 10/1/89) lived cooperatively with Native Americans. Highly recommended for all general collections.-- Mary J. Nickum, The MAXIMA Corp., Lanham, Md.

Library Journal

As a young man in the 1970s, Beach, who was born in the US, went to live with the Saami reindeer herders of Swedish Lapland. He adds an afterword to this reprint of his personal account, which was written during and soon after his experience and published first in Swedish and then in English in 1993. He is now affiliated with the anthropology department at Uppsala University, Sweden. An index and a bibliography would have been welcome enhancements. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

An awesome story of grueling work, adventure and friendship above the arctic Circle. . . . Beach gives a memorable portrait of a vanishing way of life.

-- "Publishers Weekly"

Teased, humored, and painstakingly educated by his polite and often mischevious hosts, the author joined a herder family at their summer settlement, where he listened to tales of evil trolls and ghost reindeer herds; partook in fortune-telling sessions; and learned to fish Saami-style and to share his cognac afterward. . . . An enthusiastic report by a man in love with his subject, best read on a cold winter's night.

-- "Kirkus Review"

Through the author's eyes, ears, and skin, the reader feels the mosquitoes' stings and shivers at the cold breath of this northern land.

-- "Arctic"

From the Publisher