Great book for anyone interested in California history.
353813
This book is a very interesting book, but especially if you are interested in learning more about what California was like before the gold rush.  The sailing aspect of the book is very interesting too.  Dana is an interesting and funny writer.
4319024
I was born in 1950 and grew up in Ventura, California. I am thoroughly enjoying this book! It describes in great detail many of the aspects of California living with which I am familiar. In addition, Kevin Starr presents behind-the-scenes information and history that brings this fascinating period of history alive. I find his style compelling. There is a fine blend of humor, detail, and wry observation that makes the telling of history come alive.
1511964
Cliff's book gives an excellent view of San Luis Obispo, the surrounding area, and some of the people. A time capsule. Once I opened it and started reading, I couldn't put it down. Cliff's easy style of writing felt like you were there having a conversation with him. I would like to read more written by him. The book and photos are beautiful. The history of the times he covered are invaluable. Thanks, Cliff, for a gem of a book.
808210
This book taught me a great deal about the history and culture of California and it's environmental demise. As a landscape architect I found it particularly interesting the history of the landscape of California.
3538705
As a lover of history this book was awesome. I moved to Laguna Beach in 1969 and saw the last vistage of the time this book was describing. I taunt elementary school in EL Toro and again saw the last elements of this interesting era. This book was written with the beauty that Clara Mason Fox would have appreciated.
4682812
Loved reading this book after being in Napa.  I highly recommend it to learn of the modern history of the California wine craze.
447975
I started reading this book knowing it was for older children, however once I started reading I couldn't stop.  It was interesting and incorporated California history into it.  Just scary enough that all ages could read it yet everyone could feel a little fear.  I highly recommend this book, especially if you like to read to the end.  It will keep you reading.
3130125
This out-of-print book is fantastic -- what a lot of research went into this! A great find for genealogists or anyone interested in old California cemeteries.
4268305
The book is well written and gives comprehensive information on California native plants with suggestions on location and design ideas.
2311273
Very informative and interesting with numerous old photos that bring back many memories.  I grew up in the Cortez/Dolores area and this book was written by a classmate of my sister, so I feel a direct connection with almost everything spoken of. Highly recommended to anyone interested in recent Southwest Colorado history.
2659717
Excellent reading, especially for Civil War buffs. I had know idea that General Sherman was so involved in California's early days before CA became a state. This book is about 2 1/2 inches thick, but a great read.
1387629
I enjoyed the book so much that I called a friend to read favorite passages aloud, and I sent him the book when I finished it.  Recommended to all current and past residents, or anyone interested in this specialized topic of SoCal history.
2925810
I started reading "Bear Flag Rising" in preparation for a trip to California.  I was hoping to gain an understanding of the events which occurred as California moved from a Mexican to American territory.  At its end I was very satisfied.

This is definitely popular history, not an academic tome.  The facts are related without a lot of depth or analysis.  Many quotations from other histories are included, suggesting that the information is primarily derived from secondary sources.  Although I was disappointed while reading the early pages, my appreciation of the book grew rapidly.

The story of the Conquest of California is an interesting one, more for the infighting among the Americans than the fight against the Mexicans.
The "Bear Flag Republic" took its name from the flag adopted by a group of American settlers who declared Californian independence from Mexico and then enforced their declaration by the capture of Sonoma under a flag bearing the image of a California bear.

The three main individual characters in the story are Lt. Col. John C. Fremont, Commodore Robert Stockton and Gen. Stephen Kearney.
Fremont, The Pathfinder, son-in-law of Sen. Thomas Hart Benton, arrived on the scene at the head of a team of Topographical Engineers.  Assuming command of the Bear Flag rebels, he organized them into the "California Battalion" and lead them throughout the conflict.

Com. Robert Stockton assumed command of the Navy's Pacific Squadron from Com. John Sloat who had raised the American flag over Monterey.  Stockton then commanded a force of sailors, marines and the Pacific Battalion which accomplished the conquest of the coastal regions of California.

The last force to arrive was that of Gen. Stephen Kearney, fresh from the conquest of New Mexico.  He arrived in California with about one hundred dragoons and orders from President Polk to establish a government in California.
"Bear Flag Rising" reports, with adequate detail, the relatively small scale battles which decided the war in California.  It gives a good survey of the California Theatre of the Mexican War, one of three main theatres, along with Gen. Zachary Taylor's campaign south of Texas and Gen. Winfield Scott's march from Vera Cruz to Mexico City.  (See my Amazon review of "The Mexican War, A Compact History" by Charles L. Dufour.)

With California secure, a dispute arose over the right to govern California between Stockton, claiming by right of conquest, and Kearney, claiming by right of Presidential appointment.  Lt. Col. Fremont's decision to accept orders from Stockton resulted in his court martial at the instigation of Gen. Kearney.
All in all, I recommend "Bear Flag Rising" to anyone with an interest in the California campaign of the Mexican War.
1180493
Great entertaining historical overview of the San Francisco art scene from its early days. I highly recommend this one. Good for adults and students interested in the migration of artists across the U.S.
31335
This is a great book, so much invaluable information about the island of Santa Cruz Off the coast of California, it's rich history and of course the flora. A must have for anyone interested in finding out more about this subject.
1185910
Most people can say they know San Francisco/Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County, or San Diego. These are the places people typically hit up when they plan a trip to CA. Having lived several years in SoCal, I found this book opened my eyes to all the state has to offer. It balances the sections on the large cities with other destinations and activities. You can easily stay with friends in LA or SFO and get a better tour of the town than the book can offer, but what about Death Valley or the Redwoods or PCH? This is where the book has been of great help to me.
466058
I wasborn and raised in SF, but alittle young when all that happened, I saw it on the television, and heard all the adults talking about it.  But now I am so happy to read about it and I really enjoyed the lead into the sixties of the development of California and platonic rock formation and the American Indians, the history is so rich which really sets the mood for the entire book.  By Mr. Schnabel!  I will keep this book as my reference of the times. Great read and history. Brings back many memories. Thank you!