California: An Interpretive History

by James J Rawls

The best selling text in California History today, James Rawls’ comprehensive, interpretive approach has engaged professors and students in discussion and analysis of the most populous and economically powerful state in the U.S. for over 25 years.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

585 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