Author Description

Product Description Michael David Raya is a freelance writer residing in Peoria, Illinois, who has spent three years investigating Life & Lore Along Illinois Waterways. Presented here is a rich and varied cross-section of historical and contemporary life along the rivers and streams of the Illinois country. From Native Americans and early explorers, to market hunters, commercial and sport fishermen, guides, conservationists, scientists, and artisans, Life & Lore Along Illinois Waterways captures the humor, wisdom, and true adventures of these fascinating people. You'll meet the Native Americans who first occupied the vast prairie, ride the first steamboat up the Illinois River, discover Al Capone's secret duck hunting club, hunt with the market hunters, learn to carve a working decoy, fish with the pros, and much, much more. Also featured are chapters dedicated to the birds and mammals, both extinct and extant, that live(d) along Illinois' waterways. Find out why Illinois' bison became extinct, celebrate the return of the bald eagle, and trace modern-day reports of black bears and cougars. Then, enjoy some of Illinois' scariest tall tales! About the Author Born in Los Angeles, California in 1958, Michael David Raya grew up in the busy, Illinois River port of Peoria, Illinois. There, he learned to fish on the waters of the Illinois River and surrounding lakes. As a freelance writer, Michael has written for weekly newspapers in small towns across central Illinois. In 1997, he became editor of Adventure Sports Outdoors, a monthly hunting and fishing magazine distributed throughout the state of Illinois. There, he met many of the people featured in Life & Lore Along Illinois Waterways. Michael based his writing style for Life & Lore Along Illinois Waterways upon the participatory journalism of George Plimpton-the one writer he admires most. Michael echoes Senator Robert F. Kennedy's remark: "Some men want to be President, but I'd rather be George Plimpton