The history of Washington's first decade as a state is ably told by Ficken, who has published two earlier volumes on the early history of the Pacific Northwest. Drawing on an impressive base in primary materials, Ficken relates in a detailed, readable narrative the social and economic realities of this era. The history, which covers the depression of 1893 and its impact, contains many first-hand accounts. Illustrated with b&w photos. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)