Pacific Eldorado: A History of Greater California

The fully-revised second edition of the bestselling textbook—an original interpretation of the entire span of California history

The rich history of California can best be told through its connection with the Pacific Basin. From the geological origins of the land and its earliest seafaring inhabitants, to current economic trade relationships and remarkably diverse cultural influences, the factors that continue to shape the Golden State are inseparably linked to the vast ocean to its west. Pacific Eldorado is a comprehensive exploration of the entire sweep of California’s past in relation to the maritime world of the Pacific Basin. Offering a bold and original interpretation of the history of the region, prominent historian Thomas J. Osborne enables readers to view the state’s development through a Pacific-focused lens.

Now in its second edition, this acclaimed textbook reflects new scholarship, places greater emphasis on environmental topics, and examines recent California history. Designed to help students think critically about commonly-held ideas, the author challenges conventional views, such as those of pre-Gold Rush California, confronts the traditional Atlantic-centric approach to American history, and presents a new analytic framework for studying the state’s past. The text enables students to understand the evolution of California, from the time of prehistoric Asian seafarers to the state’s present-day position as the nation’s wealthiest and most populous state. Rigorous yet accessible, this text:

• Explores a “Greater California” history that extends beyond geographic borders
• Offers new, expanded, and revised coverage of plate tectonics, the citriculture boom of the late 1800s, the environmental history of California, and more
• Features “Pacific Profiles,” brief chronicles of notable figures who have made an impact on the state’s history
• Has a new feature, “Transpacific Connections” that illustrates further the fascinating ties between California and the Pacific World; for example, comparing the California gold rush to the contemporaneous New Zealand gold rush and indicating the connections between the two
• Supports a Pacific-centric approach with compelling examples, such as the building of the transcontinental railroad to increase the China trade
• Includes new and updated photographs, illustrations, maps, references, and reading suggestions

Already adopted by a wide range of institutions, the new edition of Pacific Eldorado: A History of Greater California continues to be an essential resource for students and instructors in California history courses, as well as those required to pass exams on California history and government to obtain California teaching credentials.