Long before the small block chevy hunted the streets, the GMC was the way to go. California Bill tells all. Fun to read, cool to browse, I'm always picking mine up. Turn up the way back machine Sherman and gaze at ancient speed parts offered by long forgotten manufacturers. It's an exact copy of the original and you don't have top worry about the binding falling apart. Very Cool.

This is one of the funniest books I've ever read. Mr. McDonell's story-telling abilities radiate in this bittersweet rendering of the genuinely wacky inhabitants of 19th century California--including a cast of drunken Russian sailors and the historical Zorro, a sad figure if there ever was one. And, of course, several hundred hilarious No See 'ums--real and imagined. This is a very much neglected masterpiece. Read it and weep with laughter.

... here's the description from the back of the book to help you decide if this book is for you: "Hope Bennett was determined to save her brother's life. And if that meant paying notorious gunslinger Drake Frazier to take his place in a fight, she'd barter her last gold nugget. But Hope soon discovered she'd have to give the handsome rattlesnake more than riches if she wanted his help. His improper demands infuriated her; even as she luxuriated in the tantalizing heat of his embrace, she refused to yield to her desires. She'd accept his terms, then find a way to escape him ... somehow ..."

I bought this book in preference over several other self help law books I examined after I fired my lawyer and went in pro per. Lots of really helpful, accessible, thorough, and friendly information. In fact it was so good that I promised myself I would write its first online review. You won't get much help on how to act in court, though, as only attorneys can do that and not paralegals, who it was written for. But don't listen to me I'm not an attorney. My lesson in all of this was to stay out of court in the first place.

Anyone who appreciates the unspoiled west and california history should find California coast trails by J.Smeaton Chase a pleasant read. Shortly after publishing his diary journals of extensive journeys throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains in Yosemite Trails, Chase embarked on his next adventure on horseback. This trip would take him from Mexico to Oregon along the coastal route of the spacely settled california. Most of the books appeal to me is Chases daily recording of intimate details such as a rare flower or a unique sunset. His daily travels often ended with a campfire on the sand with the ocean waves for a lullabuy. Chases winning personality and knowledge of California history further enhance the book along with frequent references to former events and places of historical significance. California Coast Trails is a trail guide, history book and personal travel diary all in one. You wont regret the read.

This book have complete guide for ocean side and srounding area in California. Excellent with chart of many sections such as fire pits, camp sites, etc. all covers along with coastal line on North to South of whole California. Also many terminology and explanations related with ocean and coastal environments, too. This is a must have guide book to looking for camping or barbequeing for family.

Dr. McMillian's treatment of a beautiful and significant architectural tradition in this country is quite unique. She has written and assembled an exquisite volume that deftly bridges the gap between a dry technical analysis and a pretty coffee-table effort by offering the reader an excellent textual and visual presentation of the mission and spanish revival styles (and related styles) that emanated in Southern California in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lesser-recognized sub-genre's like hacienda, rancho and Plateresco also discussed, and the oftentimes confusing evolution and blending of these various styles is skillfully addressed. Hundreds of color photos beautifully complement the extremely informative historical analysis, providing the reader with a real taste of the various architectural and decorative arts elements that comprise these styles. Dr. McMillian's effort brings appropriate attention to an architectural tradition that defines Southern California more than any other. A more adept and satisfying one-volume treatment of this subject matter would be hard to imagine. Highly recommended.

For a beautiful companion volume that is equally well-written and accompanied by some stunning photography, check out the author's "Casa California" (1996).

Noel and Helen Snyder have done an incredible job, of capturing the history of the condor, its biology and much of the essence of the politics of high-profile endangered species recovery. While this meticulously researched book that will fulfill a scientist's needs for accuracy and detail, they have managed to relate that information with a personal touch that provides the lay reader with the sense of the adventure that the authors are recounting. They have tiptoed through a political mine field to bring out the stories and facts so necessarily missed or mis-understood by the media and distant observors. While many books are available on the condor, not since Carl Koford's work in the 50's has someone so close to this species told its story.

I am a direct paternal descendant of Jose Vicente Feliz, the first comisionado of El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles. In other words, my fifth great-grandfather was the first mayor of Los Angeles during the Spanish period. For over five generations, our family has passed down the stories of how the conquest of our ancestral lands were conquered by the Army of The West. This account by Harlow most accurately conforms to the family oral histories, which I have heard through the years from my Feliz, Peralta, Yorba, Cota & Lugo relatives. For example, it has long been understood by our family that it was Josef Tomas Feliz (a grandson of Jose Vicente Feliz) who hosted the signing of the treaty of El Campo de Cahuenga between the conquering military and the local city dignataries. Harlow notes that this took place in "the Feliz adobe," while others have omitted that fact. Also, according to our family histories, my second great-grandfather --Manuel Celestino Feliz--was a judge of the Californio period and, this book is detailed enough to report on the conditions of the take-over that placed "the locals" in charge of "their own judicial system" during the crucial years prior to statehood. Moreover, while most other accounts deny that the Mormon Batallion had anything to do with the policing of the locals. Mormon historians, in fact, claim that the Mormon Batallion "did not fire their guns" during their part in the Army of the West. Conversely, Harlow writes that "the Mormons" served during "the occupation" period as a "police" force. Indeed, from the perspective of an Angelino whose family has maintained an oral history of those activities, I can recommend this work as the most accurate of the histories I've read on the period of the conquest of my home state of California.

It's a great law book for contractors, civil engineers and civil engineering student.