Oh Shaw! and other islands captures the localized history and unique pioneer character of the deeply secluded communities scattered throughout the San Juan archipelago in the marine waters of northwestern Washington. The narrative focuses prominently on Shaw Island, detailing how its rocky, heavily timbered shorelines and protected coves dictated an isolated, fiercely self-reliant lifestyle dependent on small-scale agriculture and the turbulent tidal currents of the Salish Sea. By exploring the broader chain of surrounding landmasses, the authors highlight the profound physical barriers of these marine waterways, where early daily survival and trade relied entirely on hazardous navigation by small boats and regional steamers. Ultimately, the book serves as a geographic tribute to how the remote, water-bound topography of the Pacific Northwest coast inherently shaped the enduring independence of these early maritime settlements.

Limited edition prose and poetry book about Shaw Island which highlights watercolors by Rex Brandt, Joan Irving, and illustrator Malcolm Cameron.

History, San Juan Islands (Wash.) Description and travel, San Juan Islands (Wash.) History, San Juan, Archipel de (Wash.) Descriptions et voyages, San Juan, Archipel de (Wash.) Histoire, Travel, Washington (State) San Juan Islands

Expanded version of Oh Shaw! published under the title San Juan Islands journal, under the name Jo Ann Ridley, ©2004

Expanded version of Oh Shaw! published under the title San Juan Islands journal, under the name Jo Ann Ridley, ©2004