California: A History

(Paperback)

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Description

California has always been our Shangri-la-the promised land of countless pilgrims in search of the American Dream. Now, the Golden State's premier historian, Kevin Starr, distills the entire sweep of California's history into one splendid volume. From the age of exploration to the age of Arnold, this is the story of a place at once quintessentially American and utterly unique. It features black and white photos throughout.

Reviews

Kevin Starr is one of Californias greatest historians, and California: A History is an invaluable contribution to our state's record and lore.
Maria Shriver, First Lady of California

From Juan Rodrguez Cabrillo to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Donner Party to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, Kevin Starr captures the fullness of California history in one sweeping and masterful narrative. Starr is not only the Golden States greatest living chronicler, he is also one of its greatest treasures.
Gregory Rodrguez, senior fellow, New America Foundation, and contributing editor, Los Angeles Times

I am honored to recommend California: A History, this perfect distillation of Kevin Starrs lifes work. He is Californias most devoted lover and most passionate advocate, our patron saint. He transforms an already fascinating tale and imbues it with ineffable magic and grace.
Carolyn See, author of Making a Literary Life

There is no more knowledgeable or insightful historian of the California dream than Kevin Starr.
Richard Rodrguez


A magisterially authoritative survey of the movementsgeological, political, scientific, artistic, and sociologicalthat have shaped California into the unique state it is today. This engrossing warts-and-all saga is told with a verve and panache that sweep the reader along.
Michael York

Author Bio

From 1994 to 2004 Kevin Starr served as State Librarian for California. He now teaches at the University of Southern California. His writings have earned him the National Medal of the Arts, the Centennial Medal of the Harvard Graduate School, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and election to the Society of American Historians.