Five lively firsthand accounts of real life in the exciting pre-Yankee era of Californias rich history are offered in this bookfour of them world premiere publications, and all of them new and complete translations. This was an era not only of political intrigues and sectional clashes but also of upheaval as new ideas and attitudes came to a conservative Californian society. Piracy, kidnapping, lust, Indian uprisings, and scenes of battle all vie for the readers attention with fascinating passages about everyday life in the missions and presidios, governmental offices, and barracks. Governors are ejected, invaders fought, revolts arise, and plots hatched. While largely centered in Southern California, these accounts also bring us north to the Bay area and south to Baja California and farther. The reader of these memoirs will enjoy an intimate experience of life as it really wasa personal view not to be found in standard textbooks. As before with the authors previous foray into California history, Narciso Botellos Annals 18331847, the original manuscripts are rendered into a spirited English translation, capturing the nuances and vigor of these adventures in a land so familiar yet so exotic.

Brent C. Dickerson is the internationally-known researcher and author of, first, a series of books documenting and clarifying the history of the development of Roses, and now another series about California in the pre-Yankee era. His books such as The Old Rose Advisor, The Old Rose Adventurer, The Old Rose Informant, Old Roses: The Master List, and most recently Narciso Botello's Annals of Southern California 1833 - 1847 (iUniverse, 2014), are considered indispensable classics in their field. He is currently at work on his next book in the old California series.