An adventure tale about Mexicans rising up against US rule in California

An action packed blend of folk tale, romance, epic and myth, The Life and Adventures of Joaquin Murieta tells the story of the Gold Rush-era bandit Joaquin Murieta, whose efforts to find fortune and happiness are thwarted by white settlers who murder his family and drive him off his land. In retaliation, Murieta organizes a band of more than 2000 outlaws who take revenge by murdering, stealing horses and robbing miners, all with the ultimate goal of reconquering California.

The first novel to feature a Mexican American hero- an adventure tale about Mexicans rising up against U.S. rule in California, based on the real-life bandit who inspired the creation of Zorro, the Lone Ranger, and Batman.

About the Author
John Rollin Ridge (1827-1867), also known as Yellow Bird, was born in Georgia to a Cherokee father, who was murdered by a Cherokee leader for having supported the treaty that led to the Trail of Tears. After killing a man who had stolen his horse, Ridge fled to California, where he identified with Mexican Americans who had been displaced from their land by white settlers. He wrote for the San Francisco Herald and was the first editor of the Sacramento Bee.

Reviews
Remarkably readable and entertaining ... Offers a window on the real social dynamics - race, culture and prejudices - of the time and may offer grounds for reflection on how much things have changed. Or haven't. -- Diana Gabaldon



Book Information
ISBN 9780143132653
Author John Rollin Ridge
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Penguin Classics
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 166g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 13mm