California: An Interpretive History

by James J.; Bean Walton Rawls, Walton Bean

This lively and provocative history of California offers an unparalleled account of contemporary California, the events of the late 80s and early 90s, as well as expanded coverage of social and cultural history, particularly on the post-1960s.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

544 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Don Teeter]

This late-60s interpretation of CA history drew me, I have to admit, towards a more "liberal" perspective on my home state's economic history and growth. Since I slept through high school, I hadn't really known about the pernicious influence of large corporations on CA's development nearly since the state's beginning. Some, yes; but not enough. This fine book helped correct that oversight. The author also writes very well, and brought the earliest days alive for me. The loss of forty years' subsequent events does not diminish this book's value.

[Aaronwilcher]

The standard textbook in California history. Unfortunately, like most textbooks, not a thrilling read.

[Cher]

This history book is basically an enormous list of names of dates, cleverly concealed in dull paragraph form. Pure torture to read and study from. While it seems factually spot-on, that's all it is.

[Albie]

California: An Interpretive History by James J. Rawls (1997)

[Zach Usi]

arguably the best state everrr