California Books

If you want to get your mind around Thoreau's mind and the more significant facts of his life, buy and read this book. Because the chapters are brief but meaty, and because Richardson's an accomplished prose stylist in his own right, this book is a joy to read and, I have found, is wonderful to come back to periodically, particularly when looking for a great way to spend ten to twenty extra minutes profitably.

Robert D. Richardson takes the busy-bodied world of Thoreau and places each of his accomplishments into context starting with their respective intellectual origin. In the process of doing this, Richardson constructs the world of Thoreau's Concord and creates it for us vividly and realistically. This is by far the best Thoreau bio out there and serves a perfect book-end with his Emerson bio, The Mind On Fire.

As a young man my Holy Trinity was: Emerson, Thoreau and Whitman. Emerson's essays are pure poetry; Thoreau's "Walden" and "Civil Disobedience" became a blueprint on how to live and why to write; and Whitman's life and "Leaves Of Grass" taught me about myself.

"A Life Of The Mind" filled each page with the authenticity and richness of a life well lived. Thoreau, the humanness, the naturalist, the friend and son; the poet of the unraveling, entangled soul beating within the humdrum of everyday and ordinary life, leaps from every page. I have read other biographies on Thoreau which never captured the mind and writer of "Walden". Here the man and life equalled and qualified the literature.

Richardson is more than a biographer of Thoreau; he's made from the same stock. He didn't simply tell of a man and his life, he savored, and shared in the same poetics and struggles as the man he researched. The theme of Thoreau's life was an opportunity to express his own convictions and struggles.

It was while reading an anthology of Thoreau's work that I first understood why some poets and writers must write. I came to understand how every sentence could be layered with meaning and timelessness. After reading this biography I must reread my annotated "Walden". I must sit in my backyard amongst the leaves and flowers and shapes and densities I've not paid attention to in some time.

This book remains the best biiography about Thoreau. There is much here to interest both the detail-seeking scholar and the casual reader. Richardson does an admirable job in bringing Thoreau and his ideas to the fore. I found this work very useful when editing my own volume - Profitably Soaked: Thoreau's Engagment With Water, which presents a more bodily than conceptual Thoreau.

In the concluding chapter of "Walden", Henry David Thoreau offers a parable of a great artist in the city of Kouroo "who was disposed to strive for perfection." In Thoreau's story, the artist spends eons working to carve the perfect staff. By the time the artist was satisfied, his friends had died, Kouroo was no more, the dynasty of the Candhars had ended, the polestar had changed, and "Brahma had awakened and slumbered many times". Yet, the artist saw that "for him and his work, the former lapse of time had been an illusion, and that no more time had elapsed than is required for a single scintillation from the brain of Brahma to fall on and inflame the tinder of a mortal brain. The material was pure, and his art was pure: how could the result be other than wonderful?"

This parable of the nature of the self, freedom, and high purpose, told in the language of Eastern thought, is one of many aspects of Thoreau that Robert Richardson illuminated for me in his biography, "Henry Thoreau: A Life of the Mind." (1986) Richardson's biography of Thoreau is the first of what has become an outstanding trilogy of studies of American thinkers. Its companions are "Emerson: A Mind on Fire" and, most recently, "William James: In the Maelstrom of American Modernism." These three biographies cast great light on intellectual and spiritual life and their continuing influence in the United States. Richardson was a professor at the University of Denver when he wrote "Thoreau". He is now an independent scholar.

Richardson's biography of Thoreau (1817 -- 1862) does not begin until its subject reaches the age of 20 and returns from Harvard to Concord, Massachusetts to teach school. Thoreau becomes friends with Ralph Waldo Emerson who encourages the younger man to keep a journal, a habit that will remain with him throughout life and which will constitue the best evidence we have of Thoreau's inner life. Richardson's study draws heavily on the Thoreau's Journal, which when completed ran about 2,000,000 words and which was the source, with Thoreau's other notebooks, for much of his published work.

Richardson aptly characterizes Thoreau as leading a "life of the mind" and his study focuses on Thoreau's intellectual development and on the books which he read. Richardson uncovers and elucidates Thoreau's broad reading over the course of his adult life. Thoreau read broadly in the ancient Greek and Roman classics, and he was greatly influenced by German writers, especially Goethe. His transcendental philosophy was heavily German in origin, as mediated by English writers such as Coleridge. Thoreau read copiously on the history of New England and Canada and on the Indians. He was a careful observer of nature, as is well known, and was influenced by Aristotle's writings on biology, as well as by the classification work of Linneaus, and Agassiz. After the publication of the "Origin of the Species", Thoreau was won over to the developmental theory of Darwin.

I was particularly struck with the influence of Hindu and Indian thought upon Thoreau. This influence is shown in the parable of Kouroo, discussed above, and throughout "Walden" and "A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers". Richardson also made connections between Thoreau and writers and friends on an individual level. For example, Richardson discusses Melville's "Typee" and the influence this book had upon Thoreau in its depiction of human nature, and allegedly primitive peoples. Melville's influence appears lasting upon Thoreau. Richardson discusses Thoreau's friendship with the former Unitarian minister, Harrison Gray Otis Blake, and the letters the two men exchanged. (These letters have been compiled in a volume titled "Letters to a Spiritual Seeker.") As a final example, Richardson also discusses Thoreau's meeting, late in his life, with Whitman and how these two writers came to view each other.

Richardson's book brings home Thoreau's conviction that human nature is basically the same everywhere and throughout time. Thus, for Thoreau, persons in his time or our own, are capable of leading a life of freedom and meaning upon the making of effort. Even though Thoreau was fascinated with the Greek, Roman, and Indian past, these sources taught him that people retained the potentiality of living for themselves. Richardson emphasizes the love of wildness in Thoreau, in man, animals, and nature, just below the surface of what he regarded as some of the superficialites of civilization. In addition to Thoreau's self-sufficiency and love of freedom, Richardson emphasizes Thoreau's love of good companionship. Richardson also argues that following the publication of Walden in 1854, Thoreau's interests turned from the self-sufficiency and freedom, to a recognition of the interconnectedness of all things in nature.

The strongest effect on me of Richardson's book was in making me revisit and rethink the inspiring conclusion of "Walden". After a paragraph devoted to life and the ever-present possibility of regeneration, Thoreau concludes Walden as follows:

"I do not say that John or Jonathan will realize all this; but such is the character of that morrow which mere lapse of time can never make to dawn. The light which puts out our eyes is darkness to us. Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star."

Richardson's book inspired me and it encouraged me to want to read and reread Thoreau. Those readers who are also moved to rediscover Thoreau may want to explore the two large volumes of his works available in the Library of America.

Robin Friedman

Mr. Goldstein's book is informative, detailed, and well-researched. The author provides the reader with numerous maps and photos and presents the subject of Tibet and its de facto independence in an un-biased manner. His background in the culture was useful in explaining the customs and politics of Tibet. Tibet's external issues, mainly with China and Britain, are well balanced with the internal goings on of the government. Goldstein blends all this together to make sense of the status of the Land of Snows during this time period. However, for the most part, this is a political history, rather than a social history. That is, Goldstein does not give much time to issues outside the political realm of Tibet. Much time is spent on the central government and its so-called Three Seats (monasteries). He presents the evidence (government records, first-hand accounts,etc.) to show Tibet's status. To find a flaw in Mr. Goldstein's book would be to say that although it gave much detail and explanation, it needed more of that "human touch" with a sprinkle of emotion to give a feeling of the average Tibetan in the period 1913-1951. Those who would like to learn more about Tibet's government before the invasion of the Chinese Communists will definately appreciate this book. It is unsurpassed in its content. For general Tibet reading, I recommend "Tibet: the Road Ahead", by Dawa Norbu; "The Voice that Remembers", by Ama Adhe; and absolutely "Tears of Blood" by Mary Craig.

This book is a definitive history of Tibet covering a crucial period. Goldstein writes an extremely readable book. He covers a large time period using primary sources and interviews with the characters involved. He limits his analysis of the events and lets the readers examine the evidence. He gives evidence of the Tibetan government's faults as well as the abandonment of Tibet by the international community. This book is a must read for anyone trying to understand the current efforts of the Tibetan government in exile. `Orphans of the Cold War: America and the Tibetan Struggle for Survival' by John Kenneth Knaus is also an excellent book that covers the US government's involvement with Tibet and gives extra insight to the information given by Goldstein.

I ENJOYED VERY MUCH READING THIS BOOK,GOING DEEP IN THE PECULIAR TRADITION AND UNIQUE WAY OF STATE RULING SYSTEM.A COUNTRY LARGELY IGNORED BY RECENT GENERATIONS IS CAREFULLY DESCRIBED AS WELL AS THE EUROPEANS AND CHINESE AMBITIONS REGARDING THE CONTROL OF THIS STRATEGIC TOP OF THE WORLD AND PACIFIC COUNTRY

If you ever cherished the illusion that Tibet was populated only by saints and holy men of impeccable judgement, the stories recounted in this history will demolish any such belief. Instead, you will develop a realistic appreciation for the achievements and handicaps of the Tibetan system in the first half of this century. This book will enable you to understand why Tibet could not remain independent from China. This is a troubling, fascinating book, full of invaluable historical detail which can be found nowhere else. It is only for those who like their truths unvarnished. Those with a genuine love of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism will develop a maturer love of this extraordinary culture, and those whose notions of the country are based on legends of Shangri-La and Madame Blavatsky's "Great White Brotherhood" will never see Tibet the same way again.

This is, by any standard, a great book. Its level of erudition, rigour and insight are unmatched by anything else on offer about modern Tibetan history. It is an herculean opus, both in scope and in depth. Moreover, the astonishing fact that is also highly readable recommends it even to the reader with a casual interest in Tibet. Its only arguable drawback is, paradoxically, that such a towering achievement is bound to virtually determine the reader's perspective on the topic. In order to get additional and possibly alternative insights, you will have to wade through books, however worthy, whose scholarship doesn't remotely match Goldstein's.

This wonderful collection of non-fiction essays is a must have for anyone, regardless of sexual preference. Each essay beautifully describes the heartwarming celebration of love between individuals in their voices. These brave couples became part of a civil rights movement like no other in US history in the early spring of 2004. Each story is well written and invites the reader into the most intimate moments of shared love, desire for commitment, struggles and triumph. Poignantly expressed, there is no doubt this is one of the best books I own. Impossible to read without wishing for more, one can only hope there will be more like it in the future.

Cheryl Dumesnil has done a magnificent job of collecting stories from couples that were legally married at City Hall in San Francisco during the "Winter of Love" in Feb-March 2004. The book covers stories of people ranging from those who were not married but participated (one has young as 18 years) to couples married for over half of a century. There are mixed-racial couples, couples coping with disabilities, young activists, a man who lost his partner to death but still helped all of those at City Hall to marry, couples nearly married who were heartbreakingly turned away on the steps of City Hall, couples together a few years, and couples together for over 50 years. Some couples jumped at the chance to marry -- others struggled with timing, and with the decision if official marriage would really cement an already strong relationship. The introduction by Rosie O'Donnell taught me that straight couples aren't forced to testify against each other in court, but gay couples are. I was continually reminded of all of the rights that are currently not afforded to committed, tax paying, loving couples of the same gender, and their children, in this country of "freedom." I laughed, I cried, I ached for the people in the book -- and for myself -- to be given chances for true equality. This book truly captured the feelings of those at City Hall (I know, I was there). The outpouring of love and volunteerism from straight and gay alike is something I, and others involved, will never forget. If you want to know more about the lives of some of the people involved in the "Winter of Love", this is a must-read.

This book is a treasure, and most especially for an audience that may not be so familiar with the cultural, political and emotional importance of what happened at San Francisco City Hall last year. Editor Dumesnil was able to let the real voices of each stories' writer shine through, while skillfully making room for both the romance and the facts.

I say, mail this book to every politician, policy maker, religious leader and straight family you know to help them be inspired by what is really fueling the fight for marriage equality - love and the importance of family!

And it is also the best non-fiction book I have read in years! The stories are inspiring, humbling, and life-changing. The couples' struggles and desire to be married touched every part of my heart. I only hope that this book has as wide a readership as it deserves.

What a gorgeous book. I just finished reading it and had to write this review. Imagine there were a special celebration of heterosexual marriage somewhere in the U.S. Imagine that straight couples who went there for the celebration would have to wait in line for hours in the rain and face heckling, hateful protesters, and even then might not get the special recognition of their marriage, their lives together in love, that they had been waiting for. Imagine how much in love any couples who would undergo that trial would have to be. Now you have a sense for the kind of love you can read about in Dumesnil's book. This is such an exciting time of change in America. I hope we look back, years from now, in an age of Marriage Equality and feel pride and gratitude for the couples in this book for paving the way in this important civil rights movement. Truly a powerful read--I was moved to tears by almost every story.

I love this series and this book is right up on my top list. I loved that this author talked about collage and what growing up is really about. I am in my Senior year and this story helprd me realize that I cant avoid growing up. I just need to hang on and scream like crazy!!!

This is a great book,and it has a great message about God,and it helps with your relationship with the Lord too. I would reccomend this book to anyone.

This book is wonderful! It's about Sierra before graduation.She goes on a trip to Southern California with her brother and a few of her best friends. She decides to go to the same place as her brother, a private christian college where her friends Christy Miller, And Todd are also going. She still writes to Paul. This is an awesome book! I recomend it!

This was one of my favourite Sierra books because she goes college hunting to California and sees her friends from England. If you're obsessed with the Christy Miller series, you'll love this Sierra instalment. Robyn Jones Gunn is my favourite author-I own almost all her books. I started reading her books in grade 5 and I still love them and am in grade 12. Anyway, this is a really fun Sierra. Peace out.

Usually i read the Robin Jones Gunn books in one night. This one took 2.It was a good book but somehow it did not have enough how do you say it to me details or maybe to much.So that is why i gave it 4 stars

Hollywood and Sunset is an absolutely splendid novel! I have been cherishing it and savoring it page by page over the past four days, and will be dwelling with it for many years.

Starting with stark details and emotions, Luke Salisbury creates almost immediately an intermixing of time and place--between generations and people and cities and times of life--that is far beyond the ability if not the perception of the transcendentalists he invokes, such as Emerson and Whitman. Everything reverberates against everything else in the novel, with Antietam providing a deep base that underlies everything until even it is lifted away to a new level in the final pages. It is a novel that moves me deeply, saddens me, and elates me. The images are stunning, and the layers of symbolism and imagism are laid one on top of another as the layers of an onion skin.

I feel as though I have been sitting in a room of shifting shadows listening to a complex discussion between Emerson, Nathaniel West, Faulkner, Fitzgerald and a few others, with Hemingway maybe nodding his head in one or twice to bark out something. Probably Doctorow is sitting there in the shadows too, though this is much more clear of image than his works. And my own darn life is in that room talking with them also. Mr. Salisbury has the ability to have made this an intensely personal reflective experience. It ends as a terribly real and uplifting experience within the electronic shades and shadows we have erected our current civilization of commerce upon. A man is a man for a' that and a' that, as Burns would have said.

I expect that he is already talking with one studio or another about having this attempted as a film as well. If not, he should do so.

Henry Harrison has made it his life's work to destroy his high-profile enemy, filmmaker D.W. Griffith.

A writer for the Atlantic Monthly, Harrison blindly risks his marriage, his relationship with his son, and the business he shares with his wife, to pursue his misguided passion. But when his wife tells him she is having an affair on the same day he is to come face-to-face with Griffith, Harrison's world is suddenly turned upside down.

A historic novel set in the early twentieth century, Hollywood and Sunset tells the dramatic story of a man who, when faced with losing everything, comes to discover that his only true nemesis lies within himself.

Luke Salisbury, author of several works of fiction and non-fiction, including The Cleveland Indian and Blue Eden, writes for a sophisticated audience with a penchant for fine detail. His characters are interesting, well-developed and extremely engaging.

Armchair Interviews says: The story is vivid, theatrical, and full of emotion--a truly brilliant literary work.

Luke Salisbury's novel utilizes the historical fiction approach typified by Gore Vidal to detail the encounter between an Eastern critic and the notorious director of BIRTH OF A NATION. The opening chapters lead one to expect another chapter in the tedious history of "Griffith bashing" whereby one film has led an over-critical evaluation of the director's other works. But, instead, the author supplies not just a recreation of 1916 Hollywood and its contemporary players but two leading characters affected by deep-rooted prejudices, one of whom will change remarkably by the end of the novel while the other will, at least, recognize his limited perspectives. HOLLYWOOD AND SUNSET thus becomes an engaging early twentieth century comedy of manners dealing with recognizable characters trapped within their own particular ideological perspectives but who, sometimes, have the chance of transcending them. This is a really interesting achievement demanding wider readership and recognition.

Have you ever read an historical novel and wondered what its protagonists were really like? Are you interested in Hollywood and how the place got its start 90 years or so ago? Then read Luke Salisbury's "Hollywood and Sunset." You'll find that D.W. Griffith and his star, the luscious Lillian Gish, were just as outrageous (and hot) as today's denizens of LaLa Land. And you will come away from this page turner wanting to put your hands on Griffith's early film classics "Birth of a Nation" and "Intolerance."

I highly recommend Salisbury's novel. But be warned, its racy in places and probably not the best gift for your maiden aunt!

I don't normally read contemporary fiction, but I went through Luke Salisbury's novel in one sitting and enjoyed every page of it. Its vivid characters -- Howard Gaye, the English actor who dresses like Jesus and behaves like Lothario; the sweetly enigmatic actress Lillian Gish; and Harry Harrison, the narrator, who tries out many roles in his life but who fears he's stuck playing a cuckold -- and rich, authentic period (1916) detail give Hollywood and Sunset its flavorsome charm. But it's Harry's pixilated, often misguided but ultimately successful quest for redemption that resonates with this reader: here's a guy who does just about everything wrong but comes out all right. There's hope for us all, I guess.

This is a great story. Does anybody know the email address of the author John Blumenthal? I want to get in touch with him. Thanks for a great book.

I thought I knew everything about Hollywood High until I read this book. It not only brought back many fine memories of my days there (1952 to 1955) but opened my eyes to the wonderful history this school has. It also brought me up-to-date on what happened after I left. The book covers the years 1903 through 1986.

I am proud to say I was a student at Hwd High, class of W'67. There are facts in this book that I didn't know even though I lived in Hollywood all my teenage life. I know there are many other alumni that would be interested in this book. I think the publishers should come out with a second printing. "Hail To Thee Our Alma Mater". Hail Shieks and who could forget the QUAD and the Sticky Buns from the HASH Lines. My class was the last to have a dress code of dresses. NO PANTS. Thanks and please try to find another copy for me, My copy has been passed around alot. Thanks.Maxine

A must for all serious HHS reunion junkies....but Blumenthal got the picture wrong on the great tree slaughter that occurred circa 1958....several trees were cut down (saw 'em myself one foggy morning upon arriving at school), not just one, so I won't mention the one famous person movie star who Blumenthal attributed this "prank" too. I am ordering several copies as gifts to my reunion junkie classmates. Bill Larson, HHS '59

It's unfortunate that students weren't taught the proud history of Hollywood High School while attending this great school. This was fascinating reading. I've always "bragged" about being a graduate of HHS. I guess I'll just have to brag more now.

At first I thought this book wouldnt be that great because there are a lot of names that I didnt recognize when looking at the index of people interviewed. However, that is because a lot of the names are the behind the scenes people who may not be 'names' unless you study the credits at the end of movies. There are some very interesting stories here. There is one good interview where a guy indicates how he screwed people all the way to the top of his field and later himself was screwed by someone he trusted. Payback. Karma. I hated that guy, but Im glad he told the truth. Each interviwed person is shown in a photograph. This is a well crafted book, done in a simple way and it works.

Major Hollywood stars had to work hard to break into the industry and make it big, but few places chart their stories under one cover. HOW I BROKE INTO HOLLYWOOD: SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE TRENCHES gathers dozens of Hollywood's greatest successes under one cover, including not just actors but writers, directors, designers and more to provide profiles of the best and how they worked to achieve their goals. Inspirational chapters profile nearly fifty such Hollywood success stories and will appeal to any interested in learning from experience.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I loved this book, and highly recommend it to anyone interested in working in Hollywood, or to any creative type struggling to find career success. There are 67 first-person stories (from a variety of producers, actors, editors, lawyers, writers, etc.), and the interviewees have been incredibly generous in sharing not only their successes, but also their humble beginnings, self-doubts and failings. That willingness to show the true journey, warts and all, is what makes this book so inspiring, and such a gift. Many thanks to those who participated, and to the authors for making it happen.

A word to the publisher: this book has all the hallmarks of a classic, but the cover art and title don't match the contents. I almost passed it over on the shelf because the graphic design looked low rent, and it seemed to just be the personal story of the two authors, whose names I didn't recognize (sorry, guys). When it comes out in paperback (which it should--promote this baby!), how about listing some of the well-known participants on the cover, and changing the title to How I Broke Into Hollywood, 67 Success Stories from the Trenches? This book is a winner!

I thoroughly emjoyed this book, very readable, lively and interesting. The interviews flow like fascinating stories. The advice from those who made it will apply to almost any endeavor so the book should appeal to a wide audience.

If you are looking for some gossip-rag style tales of how Hollywood's biggest names got to where they are, then this isn't the book for you. There are a few big names in this book, Bernie Mac among them, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

This book, rather, is a thoughtfully introspective look at how many of the behind-the-scenes people working in Hollywood accepted crushing rejection time and time again, dealt with monetary difficulties while pursuing their dream, the tips and tricks they used to become known and well-employed in Hollywood.

Screenwriters, producers, actors, music supervisors, agents, and costume designers are featured, among other jobs, and their tales are inspiring and really helpful. Each person interviewed in this book really seemed to set aside their ego and talk truthfully about the times they doubted themselves and what could have made things go more smoothly in their journey to Hollywood elite. The advice given is really solid, and could benefit anyone in any career, but especially in the brutal film/ TV industry.

I'd definitely buy this book for any friend considering trying to make it in Hollywood. The advice and stories are entertainingly given and would be valuable and interesting even if they didn't end up pursuing that particular dream.

clear, concise...a pleasure. made my name change easy. thanks nolo!

The 7th edition of this book was my main reference as I successfully completed a legal name change. It did a good job helping me through the process without the assistance of a lawyer ("In Pro Per"). I would also suggest finding a good paralegal to help in typing up the forms.

This book packs a wallup!
It was complete, concise, and easy to follow.
I definately could not of made the change without the help of this book.
I do not recommend trying to change your name without this - it walks you through from A to Z, not missing a beat.

Excellent book.

Well written, containing all the neccessary information and forms, this book is an invaluable resource for those individuals who are interested in legally changing their name in California.

Pro's and con's are examined about Court Ordered Name Changes and Common Usage methodologies. Well thought out and written in a very readable and comprehensive style...this book answers almost any question you may have regarding the implications of changing you name.

Highly recommended....by far, the best book I have seen on the market around this issue.

I'm really enamored of Nolo Press's self-help legal guides. This one saved me $400 in legal fees. Just follow the steps outlined and it will guide you safely through even a court hearing, if you want to be able to change your passport. If, in the process, you decide you want to change any deeds your old name appears on, you can use their quite inexpensive guide to updating Deeds in California. As for typing up the forms -- neat printing does the job, too.

I had contacted the author prior to buying the book - to use any pictures needed for my archaeology report on a site I was working. I couldn't believe the treasure I found inside. Those pictures allowed me to continue my research direction & I was able to reduce the age of my site from c.1900-1940 to c.1900-1927 & have the proof to back those dates up. I applaud Chris for this book & hope to obtain other copies for friends & associates, in the future.

I grew up near Huntiington Beach and remember the times of oil wells and derricks up and down the now-famous beach. If you drive around the town and look closely, you can still see a few derricks pumping away. What is most interesting to the reader, and should be most instructive to younger people, is the fact that Huntington Beach was part of the oil boom that attracted many, including J. Paul Getty, to southern California in the early years of the last century. Also, compared to other books in the same series, this volume has more "people shots." It's interesting especially to note what people wore in earlier times, even to the beach!

Huntington beach has changed and former residents and visitors can easly miss once popular landmarks. This book combines a pictorial history along with a collection of then and now photos. A nice book to have.

Having lived in and near Huntington Beach for the last 5 years, I found this book fascinating. Historically, you get a great perspective of what the city once was...and how it developed throughout the late 1900's. But what I found MOST interesting...was the before and after transformation. Walking the same streets the author had. Lining up the same shots at the same historical locations. Standing in the exact same spot that the pictures had been taken almost a century before. And seeing how this sleepy surfside town blossomed into the famous city we now know. I definitely recommend this book for anyone that lives in Huntington Beach. It's great reading...and great for exploring the sidewalks of HB.

Excellent pictorial history of "Surf City." We've lived here for years and never knew all that had gone on here. Incredible selection of rare historic photos, which we've always been on the lookout for. Well worth the price of admission.

Great reference, and the only of its kind. Sadly it is out of print though still readily available for an elevated price moast of the time. The only "substitute" is Dr. Hogue's other California Insects book for the whole state. If you see either cheap buy it and donate it to your local High School Biology teacher!

If you want to know more than just the names and habitat of Southern California insects, then this is the book for you. If the insect is non-native, what is its origin and when was it introduced? If it stings or bites, what does it feel like and does the toxin affect the nerves like a black widow or just dissolve the local tissue like a brown recluse? Do they jump or dart? Why is it always showing up in a certain room or part of the yard? "Insects of the Los Angeles Basin" will answer these questions. Read this book and become the lone rational mind in a roomful of hysterical screaming humans recoiling from the sight of one of these magnificent little creatures.

A magnificent book. Hogue details all of the more important insect species, and some the of the lesser known, as well. Did you know that L.A. is home to 3 species of fireflies? There are numerous photos, black and white, and color, along with several line drawings.

There are pictures of every insect (and spider) featured, and this makes it very useful in identifying the critters in the yard.

My wife knew I wanted this book as a reference guide to the insects in our house and yard, so she surprised me with it on our anniversary. It made a wonderful gift! When I'd seen it at the bookstore, I hadn't had time to do anything but skim the pages, and so I was pleasantly surprised to find it's actually a readable book. I never thought I'd read a book on insects cover to cover, but this one I finished in a few days (even the chapter on Ticks and Mites).

Most reference books -- you know, the North American Guide to Seashells or whatever -- are dense and hard to use, with keys and indices and all the pictures collected onto the fewest number of pages possible, to save printing costs. But this book has pictures or drawings of every insect listed, right next to its listing. And while it doesn't cover every insect of the LA basin -- no book could -- I've yet to find one that isn't in this book.

But what really sets this book apart is the writing. Charles Hogue was the entomology curator at the LA Natural History Museum until his death in 1992. Surely, he had hundreds or thousands of people bring in pictures or specimens, asking, What is this? And he's written a book for that type of people, those who would never study entomology, but would notice and wonder at some unusual bug.

As you wend your way through the chapters, Hogue anticipates what you might find interesting, what you might ask, and he's right there with some details or answers. He'll mention how Belkin's Chigger played a role in a murder investigation in Ventura County, or recount how Black Witch moth (with a wingspan of 6 to 7 inches) was common around the Coliseum during the 84 Olympics, even though you won't find its caterpillars in the basin.

It's fun reading about dragonflies and whatnot. It's fun learning that the daddy longlegs in your cupboard isn't a daddy longlegs at all, it's a cobweb spider. It's not so much fun reading about earwigs. But telling your friends that earwigs can fly, and that the tubular lawn furniture on their patio might be housing large populations of them? That's great fun.

After reading this book, I knew I had to get on Amazon and give it a five star review. How nice that so many other people beat me to it!