Carey McWilliams (1905–1980)

One for the heart: For all residents of Southern California past, present, or potential, there can be no better book about this unmatchable part of the world. Past residents (like myself) will sigh with fond remembrance, current residents will be amused, and potential future residents will be astonished. All will be entertained. The land, the geography, the history, and the weather. They're all discussed. The social outcasts, the wierd misfits, the kooks, the characters, and their schemes show more and dreams. It's all here, along with so very much more. Written by a longtime resident in a very entertaining style that combines dinner conversation with classroom lecture, this book will be a joy to anyone who has a love for the irreplacable experience of Living In Southern California. You will truly FEEL as though you are there. This book is one for the heart as well as the mind. Oh Los Angeles, how I miss you. Carey McWilliams, thanks for taking me back. show less

Though dated, McWilliams' work here challenges the assumptions of the the "white" majority in the US even today (I found and read Brothers Under the Skin in 2008). While there are many works on this issue today, This book reminds me of another book I read in the 60's "Black Like Me," that was the first real "eye opener" for me as a young white male in the US culture as to the reality and evilness of racism. Brothers Under the Skin takes on the topic at a broader level demonstrating the way show more "white" non-white categories targets and affects a broad spectrum of people. Both of these older books drive home how embedded racism is in our culture and in us as members of this culture even today over 40 years since their publication. show less

McWilliams' analysis of the phenomenon known as California-- an account of its origins, the history of mining, agriculture, and labor in the state, and the challenges it faces with geography, climate, water, power, and politics.

The book is most certainly dated and yet prescient in so many ways. Worth consideration.

A fantastic history of southern California, detailing the cultural changes, the boom cycle, the geography and climate, and other various elements of southern California from its discovery by Spaniards until 1946.

Worth the read to understand many of the reasons why things are the way they are there.