Allegory (Paperback or Softback)

Jack Martin Haley's Allegory is a newly released, illustrated, and expanded edition of Epiphany, An Allegory. This volume includes a Gwich'in glossary and enchanting artwork by the author's granddaughter, Melissa Haley.

Allegory unfolds in the Alaskan wilderness against the majestic, unforgiving beauty of the Yukon River. Steeped in the lore of the Native Gwich'in language and culture, the author takes you on an unforgettable journey. At the novel's heart is Fred, a broken elder wrestling with the relentless passage of time. Once a masterful fisherman, respected soldier, and descendant of tribal royalty, Fred struggles to rediscover meaning in his life as the glory of his past slowly fades. Ever-present throughout Fred's journey is his muse, a mighty King Salmon. Pushing its way upstream against the current, it becomes a powerful symbol of the strength required to accept that a life fully lived means embracing both fortune and forgiveness. This transformative tale of redemption, and the enduring search for meaning is more than a book...it is a rare treasure...a meditation that will touch your soul.

Jack Martin Haley grew up in Alaska's interior and studied anthropology at the University of Alaska from 1960-1963 where he focused on the Gwich'in culture and dialects of the Yukon River flats. Mr. Haley continued his studies at Southern New Hampshire University in 1986. The tales featured in Allegory were woven from Haley's own vivid memories of stories that he heard and witnessed when living within the indigenous Gwich'in community. His rich and profound memories of this time have lingered in his psyche for decades. In 2025, he released Epiphany, an Allegory. Then, the author had his own epiphany. The perfectionist that he is, Haley re-tooled the original manuscript, adding a Gwich'in glossary and masterfully drawn illustrations that bring this extraordinary story to life. In his 84th year, Mr. Haley has since re-imagined how he wants these stories told. Allegory will be the first of the Epiphany Series that will feature more Alaskan folklore and mysticism. He is proud to bring you, Allegory, a sacred return to elder voices and warm memories of being embraced by a cloistered community that made him who he is today.