California: An Interpretive History

by Walton Bean

A survey history of California. This volume provides a comprehensive analysis of the vital developments of California in the 20th century, as well as coverage of social and cultural history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Don Teeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

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