THE STORY OF SUGARLOAF, by John Christie, 2007, Down East Books, Camden, Maine, hardcover, $50.

For Sugarloafers, it’s a great read, but for all Maine skiers, it is a must-read.

John Christie’s “The Story of Sugarloaf,” published by Down East Books, tells not only the story of this wonderful Maine mountain that claims the heart and soul of so many of us, but also the history of the skiing industry in Maine.

Even more impressive, however, is the fact that Christie has been able to weave into this labor of love other tidbits of Maine history describing the many changes that have taken place in the past half-century that affect how we live, work and recreate in the Pine Tree State.

Christie’s book offers insight into how Maine towns are organized; how our state’s educational, environmental and recreational systems have evolved over the years; enlightens us about initial work in the areas of economic development and regional planning as well as the growth of the destination-resort business; and even the changes that have occurred in the utility and real estate industries, among others.

You’ll also learn a little country music and lumbering history; how the route of the Appalachian Mountain Trail has been altered; and a bit about stocks, Maine’s public lots, golfing in Maine, and the Bigelow Preserve.

All this knowledge is gleaned from a book that focuses on how Maine’s premier destination ski resort, which celebrated its golden anniversary during the 2000-01 season, evolved from infancy to middle age.

Readers should be warned, however, that the first impulse upon picking up “The Story of Sugarloaf” is to skim through the book and look at, and linger over, the photographs.

So just do it. You have to. They are wonderful.

The black-and-white photos bring back so many memories for those of us who grew up with this sport; and the color photos of today’s Sugarloaf are breathtaking.

Skim first, then enjoy the thoroughly detailed, delightfully written story of this special place created by the late Amos Winter and his band of Bigelow Boys (along with Christie and so many others) who made a dream come true and left for us to enjoy.

I do fear, however, that proofreading has become a lost art: All major publishing houses should ensure that typographical errors have no place in such outstanding work.

As an aside, for occasional skiers, if you haven’t skied Sugarloaf-USA lately, there is still time, since the mountain’s snowiest months are March and April.