Buzz Anderson

“Buzz Anderson, a native son of Central California, has produced an epic work of fiction that forces its readers to imagine what life must have been like during the first half-century of Spanish colonization in the region—not only for the colonizers arriving from the Spanish empire—but for the indigenous Ohlone tribes along the coast and inland valleys who were decimated by their arrival.

“Wonderfully written and dutifully researched, Five Hundred Moons vividly brings to life a time largely forgotten in California history, yet one critical to understanding how the Golden State came into being and why we continue to struggle with fully comprehending a legacy of greed, deceit, contradictions, violence, and cultural decimation. And it wasn't that long ago.”

~ Geoffrey Dunn, author
Santa Cruz Is in the Heart, Volumes I & II
Images of America: The Santa Cruz Wharf
Chinatown Dreams (editor)

“From the darkened pillars of history, Buzz Anderson has created a powerful narrative of humanity and excess. Five Hundred Moons speaks of a burgeoning world order amidst the townships of Europe and the fields and rolling hills of California. From the Gypsies in Spain to the indigenous people of the New World and the Spanish monarchy and Church that sought to master them, this is a story of passion and sorrow, violence and spirituality, blossoming hope, and the search for timeless balance. Ultimately, it is a story of the resilience of love and the human spirit.

“This graceful narrative will be a welcome addition to the library of any history aficionado. A fine read.”

~ Edward C. Larson, author
Echoes on the Wind
Leaves from the Autumns of Yesterday
Spear-Carrier in a Backwater War
Pebbles from a Favored Shore
Gaff-Rigged Remembrances: Writings from the Santa Cruz Harbor
Spring Tides: Memories of Alaskan Towboats
Some Things We Lived With