This book opens the world of published and archival materials about California to those who wish to investigate and research the rich history of this state. Each of the essays elaborates specific periods, topics, or holdings and has been authored by an expert in the respective field or institution. Part I is both a chronological and topical approach to the essential elements that have shaped California's history. Attention is given to its varied ethnic groups and how the state developed. Part II contains essays on the archival and manuscript holdings of the major research centers in the state. Also included are the included are the holdings of smaller historical societies and libraries. Wherever possible, essays contain references to documentary sources, including photographs, as well as printed sources. Archival materials have been preserved from the state's earliest days and most of these are located within the state. An introduction by the editors is followed by the historical and topical articles in Part I. From Spanish to Mexican rule, to becoming a U.S. territory, through statehood and beyond, the history of California is covered in depth. There are also essays on California Chicanos, blacks, Asians, and women, along with a study of urban areas. Part II contains information on such national archives as federal records centers, the California State Library, and the Huntington Library. A directory of oral history is presented. The appendices follow with a chronology of California history and lists of organizations interested in the state's history. A Guide to the History of California is an indispensable book for those with a special interest in the state and students enrolled in courses on the history of California.

"Finally a guide to the woody plants of wildland California! The easy-to-follow vegetative keys, revealing drawings, crisp color photos, and handy range maps combine to make this a beautiful, reader-friendly resource to the novice and the expert alike. Each species has a page of text, including notes on habitat, morphology, and economic importance."--Michael Barbour, editor of California's Changing Landscapes "I love this book. It is warmly welcome as a guide for California's avid public, a public that includes natural history lovers, conservationists, consultants, agencies, and public and private land managers. It is useful, useable, packed with accurate information, and cannot help but assist us in the difficult job of preserving our natural heritage."--Jake Sigg, President, California Native Plant Society

Award-winning author, naturalist, and conservationist Tim Palmer presents the world of California rivers in this practical and inspiring field guide. Loaded with tips on where to hike, fish, canoe, kayak, and raft, it offers an interpretive approach that reveals geology, plant and wild life, hydrologic processes, and other natural phenomena. Palmer reports on conservation with a perspective from decades of personal engagement. More than 150 streams are featured, 50 riparian species are illustrated, and 180 photos show the essence of California’s rivers. Palmer brings a natural history guide, a recreation guide, and an introduction to river ecology together in one illuminating volume; it belongs in every river lover’s book collection, boat, and backpack.

The Great Book of California is an entertaining, instructive and interesting Trivia & Facts book about the Golden State. You'll learn more about California's history, pop culture, folklore, sports, and so much more.

"A handy guide to the freshwater fishes of California designed for amateur naturalists and anglers. Alcorn's illustrations are excellent."—Peter Moyle, author of Inland Fishes of California "Freshwater Fishes of California contributes to the better understanding of the past and present history and biology of native and non-native freshwater fishes of California. It also provides practical information on how to sample, care for and/or utilize these fishes. Moreover, it reads like a good novel that piques your interest on fish natural history and identification. It should be of value to anglers, environmentalists concerned with protection of our aquatic habitats and resource, natural history buffs, and governmental biologists and administrators."—Theodore W. Wooster, Environmental Specialist, retired, California Department of Fish and Game

Over the course of the 18th century, California truly developed into the state we know it as today.

". . . encourage[s] hope and resilience in times of devastating damage."—New York Review of Books This user-friendly guide is the only complete resource that identifies and describes all the amphibians and reptiles—salamanders, frogs and toads, lizards, snakes, and tortoises and turtles—that live in California. The species are described in richly detailed accounts that include range maps, lifelike color paintings by Robert C. Stebbins, clear drawings of various life stages including eggs, notes on natural history, and conservation status. Easy-to-use keys for every order help identify species, and informative chapters cover more general topics including evolution, habitat loss, and photography. Throughout, anecdotes and observations reveal new insights into the lives of California’s abundant but often hidden amphibians and reptiles.