The herald., 1897-12-26
BOOKS AND THEIR MAKERS

| man, because he makes the reading of
/ history a task rather than a pleasure.
/ 1t is hardly necessary to introduce
Hittell's history of California to the
people of this state, for the present work
is an enlargement and revision Of a his
tory that long ago proved it's worth and
popularity and which is a standard
| work. Indeed it is rather disappointing
not to be told something Of the causes
and happenings incident to the revision: /:
but the latter is none the less welcome
on account of the omission.
Some people might consider these four
volumes, with their $500 pages, too much
to devote to the history of one state: but
it must be remembered that California
has made a great deal of history. We
have had larger histories of the state,
and smaller ones, both admirable in their
way and each possessing it's weak
points; but glance at the table of con-
tents of Hittelrs will tend toward the
conclusion that little of interest has
been omitted and that on the other hand
no white paper and printers ink has
| been wasted.
| Inasmuch as the earlier editions of
| Hittell's history of California are so we'll
known, it is unnecessary to comment at
| length upon the authors style. 1t is
more profitable to describe the scope and
compass of the revised work.
Volume one begins with the first ac-
count of California brought to Mexico
from Colima by Gonzalo de Sandoval and
transmitted to Charles V of Spain by
Cortez in 1924. The work of the Jesuits
| is then covered in detail; then come the
Franciscans. The fascinating story of
the early Spanish governors is then told,
and in this division are several very in
teresting chapters devoted to the In
dians of California.
| Volume two begins with book five,
which treats of the Mexican governors,
commencing with Sola and Arguello
(the younger). Sola, it will be recalled,
was the last Spanish and the first Mexi-
can governor of California. This period
especially appertains to Southern Cali
| fornia and many familiar names are
seen in the pages of these intensely in
teresting chapters. Treating of the
reign" of Alvarado, fascinating remi-
| niscences are given of the foreigners"
in California previous to the gold excite
ment, together with general discussion
of California literature
| Book six of this volume relates to the
last Mexican governors. There Is a
chapter on John c. Fremont and sketch
of William B. Ide. The bear flag revolu-
ton, the raising Of the American flag,
are explained in detail. The social side
of life is not neglected. A chapter is
devoted to the missionaries, who COM
posed "a distinct class Of the California
population"
Then come the Americans-Sloat
Stockton, Kearney. Mason. The gold
discovery and the constitutional con-
vention, together with other subjects,
have chapters to themselves. The vol
ume closes with the admission of Cali
fornia into the union.
Volume three begins with the "early
mining times" Here is a subject that
enchains the reader. Several chapters
are properly given up to this very large
subject. Two chapters are devoted to
lynch law in the early days and another
to the San Francisco vigilance commit
tee of 1851. Book nine is devoted to the
progress of San Francisco, book ten to