Brent Walth

Oregon could have been less than what it is: its beaches developed and paved, its cities even more chopped up by freeways, its waters more polluted, its natural areas open to the highest bidder. That instead it's a minor miracle of open beaches, public parks, and clean water is largely due to a maverick Republican governor. "Fire at Eden's Gate" tells Tom McCall's story from birth to death, and in doing so, paints a vivid picture of Oregon in the mid-20th century. Fun for students of politics, and essential for anyone who has a stake in what Oregon has yet to become.… (mer)