author
Israel C. (Cook) Russell
1852–1906
A pioneering American geologist and geographer, he helped shape early understanding of Alaska, glaciers, volcanoes, and the ancient lakes of the Great Basin. His books brought field science to general readers with the energy of an explorer’s notebook.
2 Audiobooks
North America
by Israel C. (Cook) Russell
An Expedition to Mount St. Elias, Alaska
by Israel C. (Cook) Russell
About the author
Born in Garrattsville, New York, on December 10, 1852, he became one of the leading American earth scientists of the late nineteenth century. He studied at New York University and at the Columbia School of Mines, then built a career as a geologist, geographer, teacher, and writer.
Russell is especially remembered for his work with the U.S. Geological Survey, his exploration of Alaska, and his studies of glacial geology, volcanoes, and the prehistoric lakes of the Great Basin. He also taught at the University of Michigan and wrote a number of books that blended careful observation with an adventurous sense of place.
He died on May 1, 1906. His work still stands out for the way it connected scientific research, exploration, and clear public writing.