Discover one of the world's most unique and fascinating cities through 28 dramatic true stories spanning the colorful history of San Francisco. Author Gael Chandler takes readers through more than 250 years of American history with exciting essays on topics such as the city's origins to the founding of the Presidio of San Francisco and the Mission San Francisco de Asis to its modern role as the progressive and innovative heart of a nation. Along the way you'll meet characters like the city's foremother Juana Briones, Gold Rush entrepreneur Levi Strauss, confectioner Domenico Ghirardelli, gangster Al Capone, the rock legends of Haight-Ashbury, activist politician Harvey Milk, the pioneers of today's techno boom, and many others who changed the face of the city—plus lesser-known tales, like those of the children of Alcatraz and the story of John McLaren, the architect of Golden Gate Park. In addition, guided walking tours of San Francisco's historic neighborhoods by the bay and beyond, illustrated with color photographs and period maps, take readers to the places where history really happened.

No American city has a more colorful history than San Francisco. In this unique book, author Rand Richards not only provides a vivid narrative of this special city from its very beginnings all the way through to the modern era, but also tells where to find the historic buildings, sites, museums, and artifacts that make that history come alive. Just a few of the things you will find in Historic San Francisco are the locations of, and the fascinating histories behind: A 1623 Spanish cannon that once guarded the entrance to the Golden Gate. A gold nugget discovered by James Marshall at Coloma in January 1848. The last surviving Nob Hill mansion. Relics from the 1906 earthquake and fire including clusters of melted dimes and pennies found in the ruins. Book jacket.

Part memoir, part travelogue, part nature writing-an intimate first-person narrative of returning to a realer, simpler life.

There's more to Los Angeles than lights, camera, action! From the city's early, devilish days populated by missionaries, robber barons, oil wells and orange groves, Chronicles of Old Los Angeles explains how the Wild West became the Left Coast. Learn how Alta California became the 31st state, and how ethnic waves built Los Angeles—from Native Americans to Spaniards, Latinos and Asians, followed by gangsters, surfers, architects and the Hollywood pioneers who brought fame to the City of the Angels. Then, discover the city yourself with six guided walking/driving tours of LA's historic neighborhoods, profusely illustrated with color photographs and period maps.

This book is about the real Old West. The research presented here comes from what I've found during my more than forty-five years of researching American history, but especially what I've learned in regards to the other side of the myths and legends of the Old West. In 2010, I started a blog, The American Cowboy Chronicles, to share what I've learned and celebrate the virtues of America. My articles on the Old West have never been meant to dispel the myths or attack legends but to simply explain what I've found after taking a hard look, an honest look, an objective look, at the evidence that's available. Since evidence proves or disproves what we've all been told about the Old West by Hollywood and writers who are not objective researchers, this is my attempt at taking a fresh look at Wyatt Earp, Tom Horn, and others. But mostly, this book is about why the American Cowboy became America's quintessential role model. This book looks at why the American Cowboy represents American toughness, independence, and resilience to the rest of the World.

Written by local expert Sumiko Kajiyama, Cool Japan explores the heart of Japanese culture and must-see places from a uniquely Japanese perspective. First, visit Kyoto, where you will discover 1,000 years of history, from the ancient love story the Tale of Genji to the traditional tea ceremony. Then head to Tokyo to experience Japan's cutting-edge capital, where the 21st-century kawaii culture collides with landmarks like the Kabuki-za Theater and the Imperial Palace. For a different perspective, venture outside the city to the serene towns of Tohoku, the region largely affected by the 2011 tsunami disaster. Informative, entertaining, and useful, this book is an ideal introduction for any traveler looking for a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, past and present.

World renowned artist, TED Prize winner, Oscar nominee, and one of Time's 100 most influential people of 2018, JR is a contemporary art superstar. In 2018, he brought his legendary photo truck to San Francisco. More than 1,000 citizens posed for his camera and told their stories, and JR compiled their portraits into an astounding photographic mural, a portrait of the city. To be installed at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, it is the latest of his ground-breaking and deeply compelling art projects. This rich volume features all the individual portraits and selected stories alongside behind-the-scenes photos, a foreword by Neal Benezra, and an introduction by JR. A removable poster showcases the entire mural. For JR's legions of fans and anyone who loves or lives in San Francisco, this book reveals art and urban community from a new angle.

Vols. for 1971- include annual reports and statistical summaries.

Get swept up in the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera as author and filmmaker John Baxter takes readers on a whirlwind tour through the star-studded cultural history of the Côte d'Azur that's sure to delight travelers, Francophiles, and culture lovers alike. Readers will discover the dramatic lives of the legendary artists, writers, actors, and politicians who frequented the world's most luxurious resort during its golden age. In 25 vivid chapters, Baxter introduces the iconic figures indelibly linked to the South of France—artist Henri Matisse, who lived in Nice for much of his life; F. Scott Fitzgerald, whose Riviera hosts inspired his controversial Tender is the Night; Coco Chanel, who made the Saint-Tropez tan an international fashion statement; and many more. Along the way, Baxter takes readers where few people ever get to go: the alluring world of the perfume industry, into the cars and casinos of Monte Carlo, behind-the-scenes at the Cannes Film Festival, to the villa where Picasso and Cocteau smoked opium, and to the hotel where Joseph Kennedy had an affair with Marlene Dietrich. Then maps and listings show travelers how these luminaries celebrated life and made art amid paradise.