By Phil Porter, Mackinac State Historic Parks, 1999. 98 pp., Softcover, Illus., $9.95. Hardcover, Illus., $16.95. Order from Mackinac State Historic Parks, 207 W. Sinclair, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, (231)436-4100, www.MackinacParks.com

This book traces the colorful and fascinating history of Mackinac Island. Readers journey through time from the first Native Americans, through the fur trade and Victorian era to present-day Mackinac.

100 Years at Mackinac: 1895-1995

By David A. Armour, Mackinac State Historic Parks, 1995, 120 pp., Hardcover, Illus., $29.95. Order from Mackinac State Historic Parks 207 W. Sinclair, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, (231)436-4100, www.MackinacParks.com

The centennial of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission is commemorated in this entertaining and informative history of the parks' first 100 years. Illustrated with historic photos and stunning color images of Mackinac today.

Historic Mackinac Island Visitor's Guide

Mackinac State Historic Parks, 2004, 50 pp., Softcover, Illus., $1.00. Order from Mackinac State Historic Parks, 207 W. Sinclair, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, (231)436-4100, www.MackinacParks.com

Practical handbook containing maps, suggested walking and bicycle tours, photos, historical information and important local phone numbers. This useful and informative guide helps visitors tour and enjoy Mackinac Island.

Lore of the Great Turtle

By Dirk Gringhuis, Mackinac State Historic Parks, 1970, 96 pp., Softcover, Illus., $6.00. Hardcover, Illus, $10.95. Order from Mackinac State Historic Parks, 207 W. Sinclair, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, (231)436-4100, www.MackinacParks.com

Gringhuis introduces readers to a collection of Native American legends at Mackinac and their significant role in the heritage of the region.

The Wonder of Mackinac

By Phil Porter, Mackinac State Historic Parks, 1984, 52pp., Softcover, Illus., $7.00. Order from Mackinac State Historic Parks, 207 W. Sinclair, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, (231)436-4100, www.MackinacParks.com

This pictorial guide details the natural history of Mackinac Island, including geology, plants, trees, birds, and animals.

Fudge: Mackinac's Sweet Souvenir

By Phil Porter Mackinac State Historic Parks, 2001, 40pp., Hardcover, Illus., $12.95. Order from Mackinac State Historic Parks, 207 W. Sinclair, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, (231)436-4100, www.MackinacParks.com

Mackinac Island and fudge. Both symbolize indulgence, fantasy and escape. But there's more to fudge than sugar, butter, chocolate and cream. In this book, historian Phil Porter stirs up the past to find the hard work and sometimes bitter controversy behind this sweet souvenir. Find out why Mackinac and fudge go together like horses and carriages.

A Desirable Station, Soldier Life at Fort Mackinac, 1867-1895 

By Phil Porter, Mackinac State Historic Parks, 2003, 116 pp., Softcover, Illus., $9.95. Hardcover, Illus., $14.95. Order from Mackinac State Historic Parks, 207 W. Sinclair, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, (231)436-4100, www.MackinacParks.com

This is the story of more than 1,000 soldiers from around the world who lived, worked and played at Fort Mackinac during the final chapter of one of America's great forts. Built during the revolution and attacked during the War of 1812 it was given new life with the creation of Mackinac National Park in 1875. With little fear of attack, light drill and fatigue duties and a burgeoning resort community offering plenty of exciting diversions, many soldiers ordered to Fort Mackinac had the same reaction as Lieutenant Calvin D. Cowles, who was eager to serve at this "desirable station."

Wish You Were Here, An Album of Vintage Mackinac Postcards 

By Steve Brisson, Mackinac State Historic Parks, 2002, 140 pp., Softcover, Illus., $12.95. Hardcover, Illus., $18.95. Order from Mackinac State Historic Parks, 207 W. Sinclair, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, (231)436-4100, www.MackinacParks.com

A fun and entertaining look at the rise of the postcard as a vacation travel staple. Chronicles the development of the postcard and the early 20th century pioneers of the postcard trade in the Mackinac area. Includes over 200 full color reproductions of postcards from the MSHP collection.

Ripples from the Breezes: A Les Cheneaux Anthology

By Philip McM. Pittman, 817 pp., Hardcover, Illus. Les Cheneaux Ventures, Inc., Route 1, Box 15, Meridian Road, Cedarville, MI 49719.

The overriding story is that of the evolution and development of the Les Cheneaux community as reflected in the individuals and institutions that make up the community. 

The Fox Islands: North and South

By Kathleen Craker Firestone, 228 pp., Hardcover, Illus., $29.95 plus tax. Order from Michigan Islands Research, 412 South Shore Dr., Northport, MI 49670.

Island Life Island Toil

By Ramon Nelson, 179 pp., Hardcover, Illus. Sarah Jennings Press, 2222 Fuller Road, Ste 801, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-2313. 

This book tells the story of High Island and the House of David, one of the nation's most successful religious societies, led by Benjamin Purnell. 

Diaries of an Isle Royale Fisherman

By Elling Seglem, 185 pp., Softcover, Illus., $10.95. Order from Isle Royale Natural History Association, 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931, (800) 678-6925, www.irnha.org

Reproductions of the journals and correspondence of Norwegian fisherman Elling Seglem who fished from Lake Superior's Isle Royale between 1920 and 1932. Seglem's writings reflect a joy at being on Isle Royale, a wonderful command of the English language, and abundant good humor about daily life on the island. An account of the American immigrant experience and a look back at a simpler time in American history.  

The Island Within Us: Isle Royale Artists in Residence 1991-1998 

Edited by Robert Root and Jill Burkland, 165 pp., Cloth and Softcover, Illus., Cloth $45.95, Softcover $29.95. Order from Isle Royale Natural History Association, 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931, (800) 678-6925, www.irnha.org

The work of 34 Isle Royale Artists in Residence collected and presented for the first time in a beautiful coffee table book. These paintings, drawings, photographs, poems, essays, and musical compositions reflect each artist's attempts to deal directly with solitude, simplicity, and the wild beauty of Isle Royale and Lake Superior. In their accompanying essays, the artists tell the stories of their residencies and reflect on how their experiences have re-shaped them and their art. 

Superior Wilderness: Isle Royale National Park 

By Napier Shelton, 176 pp., Softcover, Illus., $15.95. Order from Isle Royale Natural History Association, 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931, (800) 678-6925, www.irnha.org

A natural history of Isle Royale for the non-scientist. This very readable book reveals the unfolding story of the unique island ecosystem, emphasizing the delicate relationship between its plants, animals, climate, and geology. 

Diary of an Isle Royale School Teacher

By Dorothy Simonson, 138 pp., Softcover, $9.95. Order from Isle Royale Natural History Association, 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931, (800) 678-6925, www.irnha.org

In this private journal Dorothy Simonson tells of the joys and hardships of a winter spent on Isle Royale. She accounts with honesty and humor the challenges she faced during her eight months as the school teacher for a fisherman's family in 1932-33.

Place Names of Isle Royale

by Smitty Parratt and Doug Welker, 96 pp., Softcover, Illus., $7.95. Order from Isle Royale Natural History Association, 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931, (800) 678-6925, www.irnha.org

The origins, histories and stories of over 250 Isle Royale locations from inland lakes to campgrounds, ridges, coves, and historic sites. A history of Isle Royale in itself, this book is a collection of materials gathered from written records, oral histories, and personal interviews. Over 50 modern and historic photographs, drawings, and maps. Includes a complete full color fold-out map of Isle Royale. 

Isle Royale: Moods, Magic and Mystique 

By Jeff Rennicke, 40 pp., Softcover, Illus., $11.95. Order from Isle Royale Natural History Association, 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931, (800) 678-6925, www.irnha.org

Forty outstanding color photographs and a lyrical text capture the mystery and majesty of Isle Royale. A perfect souvenir for those who have visited Isle Royale and a perfect introduction for those who haven't. Winner of the 1990 National Park Service Director's Award for best publication. 

The Wolves of Isle Royale: A Broken Balance 

By Rolf Peterson, 190 pp., Cloth Cover, Illus., $29.50. Order from Isle Royale Natural History Association, 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931, (800) 678-6925, www.irnha.org

Isolated by Lake Superior, Isle Royale with its wilderness ecosystem is an ideal living laboratory for wildlife biologists. For over 40 years the island has been the site of the longest running study of any wild mammal. Author /wildlife biologist Rolf Peterson has been with the study for 30 years. This is his first-hand account, eloquently written and illustrated with over 100 photographs. 

Borealis: An Isle Royale Potpourri 

Edited by Harmon, 100 pp., Softcover, $7.95. Order from Isle Royale Natural History Association, 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931, (800) 678-6925, www.irnha.org

A collection of stories of the people who helped to shape the history and legends of Isle Royale, from Siskiwit Bay logger Jim Wynne and reporter and National park promoter Ben East, to Charlie and Angelique Mott who were left to fend for themselves over a long winter. Seven stories. 

The Geologic Story of Isle Royale National Park 

By Huber, 66pp., Softcover, Illus., $9.95. Order from Isle Royale Natural History Association, 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931, (800) 678-6925, www.irnha.org

This classic study of Isle Royale's geologic history explains the shifting of rocks and minerals which produced one of the most beautiful islands in North America. Included is information on the effects of time, pressure and glaciers on the island landscape. 

Drummond Island: History, Folklore and Early People

By Jill Lowe Brumwell, 376 pp., Softcover, Illus., $20.95. Order from Black Bear Press, 237 Holbrook, Saginaw, MI 48603. (989) 792-1260. 

An entertaining and informative narrative written by someone who was born and raised on the island. Brumwell's Drummond family history goes back 120 years and seven generations. This unique insight into Drummond Island's past is interlaced with local anecdotes and includes heirloom photos.

Exploring North Manitou, South Manitou, High and Garden Islands of the Lake Michigan Archipelago

By Robert H. Ruchhoft, 359 pp., Softcover, Illus., Order from The Pucell Press, PO Box 19161, Cincinnati, OH 45219.

This conveniently-sized book offers histories and trail guides for the hiker and backpacker of these eastern Lake Michigan Islands. Includes maps of suggested hiking trails.