Ronald Genini'S Retelling Of Californian History

The story of California crafted by Ronald Genini in California: On the Edge of American History is one of land and people; mountains and Indians; past and present. It starts with a fascinating description of California Indian tribes. The Indian heritage is celebrated! Encyclopedic in scope, accuracy, and description, Geninie’s research and writing skills are overwhelming.

The parts of this book are a chronologically arranged record of California starting with origins. After that, the author comprehensively describes the beginning of California civilization. He explains that the gold rush changed everything. The second generation of California America emerges in the twentieth century bringing California to a crisis when the Boomer generation starts.

Stories abound giving the reader insights into the colonization of California by several nations both near and far. The famous gold rush is explained with both boom and bust. A new California emerges in the twentieth century with accompanying business, agriculture, and even computers providing a nation-state of incredible wealth. The California Boomer is a creature of the big city and modernism. Did you know that Russia tried to colonize the land? Did you know that the United States won California in a battle with Mexico? Many other questions about California are answered in this erudite book about the state.

Ronald Genini has contributed an exhaustive study of a major state in the United States of America. As a good history teacher, Genini describes things and events in a personal way. He is clear and goes into good detail without undue elaboration. The main style is instructive rather than persuasive, although the picture is positive rather than negative. Although not a political document, the books affords answers to political questions like how did California get to be what it is?

I like the in-depth coverage of the book and would advocate it as a ready source for everything Californian. I learned so much about California. I can’t think anything I don’t like about the book. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars although there are a very few typos and, it appears to be professionally edited. Any reader interested in American history will discover this book to be fascinating and well worth any effort to read various parts for research and the whole for understanding about West Coast America. In fact, this combination of history and drama is an essential contribution to any reader’s education.