Subject
California -- Social life and customs Books
Best books
Mary Austin
The Land of Little Rain
"The Land of Little Rain" by Mary Austin is a collection of essays published in 1903. Through lyrical prose, Austin explores the harsh beauty of California's Owens Valley and Mojave Desert, capturing its sparse rainfall, resilient wildlife, and human inhabitants. The interconnected essays weave together portraits of scavenger birds, solitary miners, Native American basket makers, and desert trails, revealing an arid landscape that demands much from those who dwell there but offers something profound in return. Austin's observations blend natural history with environmental awareness and deep respect for the Southwest's enduring character.
J. Ross (John Ross) Browne
Crusoe's Island: A Ramble in the Footsteps of Alexander Selkirk With Sketches of Adventure in California and Washoe
"Crusoe's Island: A Ramble in the Footsteps of Alexander Selkirk" by J. Ross Browne is a travel narrative written in the mid-19th century. The book recounts the author's adventurous journey to the remote Juan Fernandez Islands, inspired by the legendary tale of Robinson Crusoe and Alexander Selkirk, the castaway who lived there. Browne blends personal exploration with historical context, reflecting on themes of solitude, survival, and the allure of adventure. The opening portion of the narrative introduces Browne as a rebellious passenger aboard the ship Anteus, where he and a group of fellow travelers decide to row to the Juan Fernandez Islands in search of adventure after a tumultuous voyage. They set off with limited supplies, facing the perilous ocean conditions that lead to a storm. Ultimately, their determination pays off when they make it to the island, greeted by the beauty of the landscape and the tantalizing lure of exploring the legendary sites tied to the Crusoe narrative. The author vividly conveys his emotions and reverence for the history and myth surrounding the island, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of the locations associated with Selkirk and the spirit of adventure that defined that era.
Mary Austin
The Land of Little Rain
"The Land of Little Rain" by Mary Hunter Austin is a collection of lyrical essays published in 1903. Set in California's Owens Valley and Mojave Desert, it explores the arid landscape and its diverse inhabitants—from scavenging birds and pocket hunters to Native American basket makers. Through interconnected sketches, Austin celebrates the harsh beauty of the American Southwest while weaving themes of environmental conservation and regional identity. Her intimate portraits reveal both the desert's unforgiving nature and its inexplicable pull on those who call it home.
J. (Joseph) Lamson
Round Cape Horn Voyage of the Passenger-Ship James W. Paige, from Maine to California in the Year 1852
"Round Cape Horn" by J. Lamson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative chronicles the voyage of the passenger ship James W. Paige from Maine to California in 1852, depicting the challenges and adventures faced by its passengers during the treacherous journey around Cape Horn. The book highlights the discomforts of sea travel at the time, touching on the lives of the diverse group aboard, which includes men, women, and children, as they navigate various obstacles on their way. The opening portion of the voyage describes the initial conditions aboard the James W. Paige, introducing the ship's setup, the struggles with seasickness, and the notable discomfort caused by the ship's leaks and the bad cooking from the crew. The passengers begin their journey with hope but quickly find themselves enduring terrible weather, including storms and confusion due to the ship's instability. Despite these tribulations, moments of camaraderie emerge, such as shared anecdotes about encounters with sea creatures and practical jokes to lighten the mood, setting the stage for a challenging yet eventful sea voyage.
J. M. (John M.) Letts
California illustrated : $b including a description of the Panama and Nicaragua routes
"California Illustrated: Including a Description of the Panama and Nicaragua Routes" by A Returned Californian is a travel memoir written in the early 1850s. It details the author's journey and experiences as he traverses the maritime routes leading to California during the Gold Rush era. The narrative is expected to provide insights into the adventures, challenges, and everyday life encountered along the way, particularly focusing on the vibrant landscapes, societies, and the nature of gold-seeking during this transformative period. At the start of this memoir, the author shares his feelings of anticipation and melancholy as he departs from New York en route to California on the bark "Marietta." The journey commences with vivid descriptions of the ocean voyage, from the feelings of sea sickness among the passengers to the encounters with marine life, including whales and dolphins. An account of their passage through various Caribbean islands unfolds, painting a picture of natural beauty and adventure. The author’s reflections capture both the excitement of the journey towards California and the challenges faced, such as the sickness that afflicted many travelers, which sets the tone for the trials yet to come as they make their way towards what was viewed as the golden opportunity of California.
Mary Austin
The Land of Little Rain
"The Land of Little Rain" by Mary Austin is a collection of lyrical essays published in 1903. Set in California's Owens Valley and Mojave Desert, this work explores the arid landscape and its diverse inhabitants through interrelated stories. Austin weaves themes of environmental conservation and cultural regionalism while depicting desert dwellers—from scavengers and pocket hunters to Native American basket makers—and their intimate connections to an unforgiving yet captivating land. Through vivid portraits of both wilderness and humanity, she reveals the austere beauty and profound pull of America's Southwest.
John David Borthwick
Three years in California [1851-54]
Edinburgh-born artist John David Borthwick left New York for California in 1851, crossing the Isthmus at Chagres. In 1860 Borthwick returned to Britain, where his paintings were exhibited in several galleries including the Royal Academy. Three years in California (1857) focuses on his experiences mining gold and quartz at Hangtown, Foster's Bar, Downieville, Mississippi Bar, Jacksonville, and Carson's Hill. He devotes much attention to social life in the camps as well as mining techniques, describing crime, the Chinese and French and other ethnic groups, and holidays and public entertainments. Borthwick illustrated the book with eight of his own lithographs which are considered the most realistic of the period for California.
O. P. (Oscar Penn) Fitzgerald
California Sketches, New Series
"California Sketches, New Series" by O. P. Fitzgerald is a collection of literary sketches written in the late 19th century. The book depicts various characters and scenarios highlighting life in California during its pioneering days, often reflecting on the complexities of human nature, social issues, and the author's personal experiences in the newly settled regions of the West. The opening of this work introduces the reader to a nostalgic perspective on California's past, as the narrator reminisces about familiar faces from his youth and reflects on the challenges and joys of life in the burgeoning state. Specifically, the initial sketches portray various figures, such as a teacher and a beloved turkey named Dick, against a backdrop of social commentary on family dynamics and individual struggles within the community. Through evocative language and keen observation, Fitzgerald brings to life the diverse tapestry of characters that inhabited California, setting the stage for further explorations of the human condition intertwined with the spirit of the frontier.
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