Roadside History of Idaho

The Roadside History series is an excellent one, useful for anyone traveling in the state a particular volume covers (the volumes published so far are strongly representative of the western states, not so much the eastern ones). This Idaho volume by Betty Derig is typical and presents a thorough and interesting historical perspective on various sections and locals within the state. The book is in four parts (Southeast, Central, Southwest, and North) and centers around the major highways in each section (I-84, US 93, US 95, Idaho 55, for example). The history of cities and towns (even ghost towns) along the way is given in detail, and lots of illustrations and photographs are included. It's also a great state history book for armchair travelers. I recommend all the books in the series.

Betty Derig's book, A Roadside History of Idaho, travels the entire state, giving useful, interesting, and often rarely known facts and stories about Idaho. Without sounding too academic, the book is authoritative. Without being fluffy, it is light and enjoyable. Perhaps the most enjoyable element of the guide is that by cataloguing the history, the people, and the out-of-the-way places of Idaho, Derig successfully conveys a sense of mythology about the state. The reader, while enjoying the interesting and entertaining facts, gets the sense that Idaho has texture and history and a culture all its own - that the state is more than some sparsely populated, out of the way state that is only good for producing potatos. Betty Derig's book reveals Idaho for the enchanting, enchanted place that it is.