Nature writer Bill Sherwonit in locally owned Title Wave Books, with some of his work Photo by Joe Gromelski

“Going to Denali? Even if you’ve already suffered upon that mountain, Bill Sherwonit’s TO THE TOP OF DENALI is a compelling read. . . its no bullshit prose and hard-won anecdotes put it in a league with such classics as [Art] Davidson’s MINUS 148."
-- Jonathan Waterman review, in Rock & Ice magazine

"Bill Sherwonit’s collection, DENALI: A LITERARY ANTHOLOGY, is a fitting tribute to one of the most remarkable places on earth. . . . Sherwonit knows his subject well. A nationally acclaimed photographer and essayist, he has prepared a comprehensive collection of 23 selections that cover a century of writing from the park. The result is a book that covers its subject in a comprehensive and eminently readable manner. DENALI: A LITERARY ANTHOLOGY, belongs in any library, public or private, that aspires to be complete on the subject of Alaska in general and Denali in particular. Bill Sherwonit and Mountaineers Books are to be congratulated on a job well done!"
-- John Murray, in The Bloomsbury Review

"Focusing on the theme ‘accessible wilderness,’ [Sherwonit] introduces readers to the unique and exciting attributes of each area through superb travel writing. . . . Complemented by 50 color photos and eight maps, this book will have readers packing their bags. One of the most refreshing travel guides this reviewer has encountered; highly recommended." -- Library Journal review of ALASKA’S ACCESSIBLE WILDERNESS

“Sherwonit’s book is an authoritative and well-written account of the Iditarod and some of its more important moments. An obvious fan and believer in the race, he doesn’t try to cover its warts.” -- Anchorage Press review of IDITAROD: THE GREAT RACE TO NOME

Born in Bridgeport, Conn., nature writer Bill Sherwonit has called Alaska home since 1982. A fulltime freelancer, he has contributed essays and articles to a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, journals, and anthologies and is also the author of 10 books about Alaska (soon to be 11), including three books about Denali, two about the Iditarod, and others about Alaska’s state parks and bears. In his spare time, Bill teaches nature and travel writing. He lives in Anchorage’s Turnagain area, where he writes about the wildness to be found in Alaska’s urban center as well as in the state’s far reaches, while inspired by neighbors who include chickadee, squirrel, raven, frog, and bear.

News and Events

Bill Sherwonit's newest book -- and his first creative-nonfiction book -- LIVING WITH WILDNESS: AN ALASKAN ODYSSEY, is scheduled to be released in summer 2008 by the University of Alaska Press. Check here for more details and a schedule of events as the release date approaches.

Sherwonit's essay "In the Company of Bears," is among the stories included in Best American Science and Nature Writing 2007.

Upcoming presentations, classes, and workshops

2008 (dates to be determined). Nature writing class. Participants in this 12-week workshop-style class will explore and refine their own writing styles, with an emphasis on the personal essay form. The class will also read and discuss works by some of America’s finest nature writers, past and present. The cost is $200. To sign up for this Thursday night class, or for more information, contact Sherwonit at the email address on this website.