“A California classic . . . California, it should be remembered, was very much the wild west, having to wait until 1850 before it could force its way into statehood. so what tamed it? Mr. Starr’s answer is a combination of great men, great ideas and great projects.”—The Economist From the age of exploration to the age of Arnold, the Golden State’s premier historian distills the entire sweep of California’s history into one splendid volume. Kevin Starr covers it all: Spain’s conquest of the native peoples of California in the early sixteenth century and the chain of missions that helped that country exert control over the upper part of the territory; the discovery of gold in January 1848; the incredible wealth of the Big Four railroad tycoons; the devastating San Francisco earthquake of 1906; the emergence of Hollywood as the world’s entertainment capital and of Silicon Valley as the center of high-tech research and development; the role of labor, both organized and migrant, in key industries from agriculture to aerospace. In a rapid-fire epic of discovery, innovation, catastrophe, and triumph, Starr gathers together everything that is most important, most fascinating, and most revealing about our greatest state. Praise for California “[A] fast-paced and wide-ranging history . . . [Starr] accomplishes the feat with skill, grace and verve.”—Los Angeles Times Book Review “Kevin Starr is one of california’s greatest historians, and California is an invaluable contribution to our state’s record and lore.”—MarIa ShrIver, journalist and former First Lady of California “A breeze to read.”—San Francisco

In this comprehensive and abundantly illustrated book, Allan Schoenherr describes a state with a greater range of landforms, a greater variety of habitats, and more kinds of plants and animals than any area of equivalent size in all of North America. A Natural History of California will familiarize the reader with the climate, rocks, soil, plants and animals in each distinctive region of the state.

The author arrived in California in the winter of 1843 and stayed there for forty years. Having read at various times the history of California, and especially that of the City of San Francisco, and knowing the same or portions of the same to be misrepresented, he conceived the idea of giving a true history of the city, as well as he could recollect it. The book, however, can hardly be called a history, but rather a book of reminiscences and incidents of early days.

"History of California" by Helen Elliott Bandini Helen Elliott Bandini was an American writer, primarily of Californian history. Bandini was active in civic matters, the arts and a writer for newspapers and magazines and she used her knowledge to create well-rounded texts. Aimed at high school students of the early 20th century, the book gives an easy-to-understand history of California which makes it a valuable text to this day.

THE HISTORY OF WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE - Complete 6 Volumes (Illustrated) stands as a monumental anthology in the cannon of American feminist literature, chronicling one of the most pivotal movements in the history of democracy. The collection masterfully combines an array of literary styles, from impassioned speeches and rigorous debates to intimate letters and detailed biographies, capturing the multifaceted journey towards women's suffrage. Its pages host an impressive array of perspectives, offering readers an in-depth look into the movement's complexity and the diverse strategies employed to secure women's voting rights. The significance of the anthology is further amplified by landmark pieces that have shaped and inspired generations of feminist thought. The contributing authors, Harriot Stanton Blatch, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Matilda Gage, and Ida H. Harper, are titans in the history of the American feminist movement. Each brought their unique backgrounds, beliefs, and strategies to the suffrage battle, encapsulating the movement's ideological diversity. Their collective work aligns with various historical, cultural, and literary movements, from abolitionism to the Progressive Era's reforms, illustrating how the suffrage movement was interwoven with broader social changes. This anthology not only highlights their monumental contributions but also situates the suffrage movement within a wider context of American history and feminist theory. This collection offers readers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of the women's suffrage movement through the eyes of its most influential leaders. It is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of social reform movements, the evolution of feminist thought, and the persistent struggle for equality. By delving into these six illustrated volumes, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the suffrage movement's challenges, triumphs, and enduring legacy. The collection encourages a deep engagement with the texts, fostering an appreciation for the detailed strategy, relentless advocacy, and collective action that culminated in one of the 20th century's most significant victories for human rights.