Huser, a river guide, compiles about 40 writings by explorers, pioneers, naturalists, historians, and river runners over a period of about 200 years. Included are excerpts from the Lewis and Clark expedition journals, Washington Irving's Astoria, Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi, William Faulkner's The Wild Palms, Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It, and writings by contemporary figures such as Tom Brokaw, Edward Abbey, and Ann Zwinger, with introductions to each by Huser. This edition features new writings, both classic and contemporary; some of the previous classics have been omitted. There is no index. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)