A Guide to the History of California

(Hardback)

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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.

Reviews

. . . There is an invaluable directory of oral history collections. Throughout the book, references are made to directories or lists published by organizations in the field, bibliographies of source materials, periodicals, and databases which can provide additional citations. The reference value of this work is enhanced by a 10-page chronology of California history from 1510 through 1987. There is a combined author, organization, and subject index as well as a list of contributors with information on their scholarly qualifications. This is a well-written and well-prepared guide which will be welcomed by students, instructors, historians, and researchers.-American Reference Books Annual
Part 1 of this detailed bibliographical guide contains ten chapters that divide the historical literature of California by time period, such as Hispanic California, 1542-1848, ' California since 1945, ' and by subject, such as California Asians, ' California Women, ' or Urban California.' More than 3,000 citations to primary and secondary material found in books and journals are included in an informative essay format. Descriptive and evaluative comments enhance the usefulness of the work. Previous bibliographical efforts are cited and extended, thereby eliminating repetition. The role of minorities is placed in historical context as well as treated in separate chapters; consequently, each subject chapter stands alone, although there are cross-references. There is no separate chapter on Native Americans, but California Indians are included in three chapters. Most chapters are excellent. . . . Part 2 identifies and describes the main archival resources in the state. Much detail is provided in each of the nine chapters, such as main subjects treated in the collection, hours and requirements of service, and even the number of feet in specific collections worthy of note. More than 100,000 entries in the index provide access by personal name and by organization. There is no other up-to-date substitute for this very useful guide, which provides access to the rich and voluminous literature on the history of the most populous US state.-Choice
." . . There is an invaluable directory of oral history collections. Throughout the book, references are made to directories or lists published by organizations in the field, bibliographies of source materials, periodicals, and databases which can provide additional citations. The reference value of this work is enhanced by a 10-page chronology of California history from 1510 through 1987. There is a combined author, organization, and subject index as well as a list of contributors with information on their scholarly qualifications. This is a well-written and well-prepared guide which will be welcomed by students, instructors, historians, and researchers."-American Reference Books Annual
"Part 1 of this detailed bibliographical guide contains ten chapters that divide the historical literature of California by time period, such as Hispanic California, 1542-1848, ' California since 1945, ' and by subject, such as California Asians, ' California Women, ' or Urban California.' More than 3,000 citations to primary and secondary material found in books and journals are included in an informative essay format. Descriptive and evaluative comments enhance the usefulness of the work. Previous bibliographical efforts are cited and extended, thereby eliminating repetition. The role of minorities is placed in historical context as well as treated in separate chapters; consequently, each subject chapter stands alone, although there are cross-references. There is no separate chapter on Native Americans, but California Indians are included in three chapters. Most chapters are excellent. . . . Part 2 identifies and describes the main archival resources in the state. Much detail is provided in each of the nine chapters, such as main subjects treated in the collection, hours and requirements of service, and even the number of feet in specific collections worthy of note. More than 100,000 entries in the index provide access by personal name and by organization. There is no other up-to-date substitute for this very useful guide, which provides access to the rich and voluminous literature on the history of the most populous US state."-Choice

Author Bio

DOYCE B. NUNIS, JR., is Professor of History at the University of Southern California. He is the author of numerous books and articles on different aspects of California history. Since 1962 he has been the editor of the Southern California Quarterly, the publication of the Historical Society of Southern California. GLORIA RICCI LOTHROP is Professor of History at CSU Polytechnic, Pomona. Her publications include Recollections of the Flathead Mission (Glendale, 1978).