Description
Before the Gold Rush of 1848-1858, Alta (Upper) California was an isolated cattle frontier-and home to a colorful group of Spanish speaking, non-indigenous people known as Californios. Profiting from the forced labor of large numbers of local Indians, they carved out an almost feudal way of life raising cattle along the California coast and valleys. Visitors described them as a good-looking, vibrant, improvident people. Many traces of their culture remain in California today.
Yet their prosperity rested entirely on undisputed ownership of large ranches. As they lost control of these in the wake of the Mexican War, they lost their high status and many were reduced to subsistence-level jobs or fell into abject poverty. Drawing on firsthand contemporary accounts, the author chronicles the rise and fall of Californio men and women.
About the Author
Hunt Janin is an American writer living in southwestern France. He has written numerous nonfiction and scholarly books on a range of subjects, including medieval history and cross-cultural studies. Ursula Carlson is a professor emerita at Western Nevada College, Carson City, Nevada.
Reviews
"Students and teachers at all levels will be served to learn about the history of fellow citizens who have ties to Mexico and Latin America, a populace that may account for one in four US residents by 2050. Thus, by writing about the Californios-the name of the people from Spain and Mexico who colonized California between 1769 and 1848-Janin and Carlson deserve praise for informing readers that Spanish speakers and their descendants have long lived in the US...recommended"-Choice
"Assiduously researched and enthusiastically narrated, coauthors Hunt Janin and Ursula Carlson chronicle the rise and fall of the Californio men and women. An absolute must book for western buffs."-Argunners Magazine
Book Information
ISBN 9781476663036
Author Hunt Janin
Format Paperback
Page Count 211
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 280g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 8mm
Yet their prosperity rested entirely on undisputed ownership of large ranches. As they lost control of these in the wake of the Mexican War, they lost their high status and many were reduced to subsistence-level jobs or fell into abject poverty. Drawing on firsthand contemporary accounts, the author chronicles the rise and fall of Californio men and women.
About the Author
Hunt Janin is an American writer living in southwestern France. He has written numerous nonfiction and scholarly books on a range of subjects, including medieval history and cross-cultural studies. Ursula Carlson is a professor emerita at Western Nevada College, Carson City, Nevada.
Reviews
"Students and teachers at all levels will be served to learn about the history of fellow citizens who have ties to Mexico and Latin America, a populace that may account for one in four US residents by 2050. Thus, by writing about the Californios-the name of the people from Spain and Mexico who colonized California between 1769 and 1848-Janin and Carlson deserve praise for informing readers that Spanish speakers and their descendants have long lived in the US...recommended"-Choice
"Assiduously researched and enthusiastically narrated, coauthors Hunt Janin and Ursula Carlson chronicle the rise and fall of the Californio men and women. An absolute must book for western buffs."-Argunners Magazine
Book Information
ISBN 9781476663036
Author Hunt Janin
Format Paperback
Page Count 211
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 280g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 8mm
