Local books: The spotlight is on history in this week's roundup of titles of local interest

NEW RELEASES

"Treadwell Gold: An Alaska Saga of Riches and Ruins" by Sheila Kelly (University of Alaska Press, $35). A Seattle writer draws, in part, on her own family history in this history of one of Alaska's most productive gold mines — which pushed the technology of its day beyond its viable limits when it tunneled 2,500 feet under a saltwater inlet.

"Bearers of the Black Staff: Legends of Shannara" by Terry Brooks (Del Rey, $27). The Seattle author's latest fantasy novel is a "prehistory of Shannara," in which the denizens of Shannara are losing the magic protective shield against hostile outside forces. Brooks reads 7 p.m. Tuesday at University Book Store, 4326 University Way N.E., Seattle; free (206-634-3400 or www.ubookstore.com).

"Historic Photos of Seattle in the 50s, 60s, and 70s" by David Wilma (Turner, $39.95). A Seattle writer-historian compiles a collection of black-and-white photos of Seattle, spanning three decades.

"Ceremony for the Choking Ghost" by Karen Finneyfrock (Write Bloody Book, $15). A collection of poems by the Seattle poet, addressing her sister's death from heart failure. Finneyfrock is a writer-in-residence at Richard Hugo House.

"Above the Line: Take Four" by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan, $14.99). The inspirational fiction writer from Vancouver, Wash., delivers her fourth novel in a series about two filmmakers who, this time, are coping with a potential star who has a "very public reputation for wild living."

"The Virgin Project 2: More Real Stories from Real People" by K.D. Boze and Stasia Kato (Fanny Press, $16.95). First-time sexual experiences, recounted in cartoon format. Boze lives in Seattle and Kato, who studied with Ellen Forney, lives in Idaho. With an introduction by Dr. Pepper Schwartz.

"Naming Nature: The Class Between Instinct and Science" by Carol Kaesuk Yoon (Norton, $16.95). New in paperback: a Bellingham biologist-journalist's take on the work of Linnaeus, Darwin and present-day scientists, highlighting "the reasons why we might care less whether a whale is a fish or a mammal as long as we know its importance in our world." "The Case of the Crooked Carnival" by Michele Torrey (Sterling, $6.95). A South Bend author's children's book for ages 9-12, about two fifth-grade sleuths who investigate a variety of mysteries in their town.

For possible listing in "Local Books," send a finished copy of the book, with price and publication date, to Local Books, Seattle Times, 1120 John St., Seattle, WA 98109. No self-published or vanity-published titles, please.