Chronicles of Old Los Angeles - by James Roman (Paperback)

About the Book

There's more to Los Angeles than lights, camera, action; discover the city yourself with six guided walking/driving tours of LA's historic neighborhoods, illustrated with color photographs and period maps. From the city's early days marked by missionaries, robber barons, orange groves, and oil wells to the invention of the movie camera, Chronicles of Old Los Angeles explains how the Wild West became the Left Coast, and how Alta California became the 31st state. Learn how ethnic waves built Los Angeles--from Native Americans to Spaniards, Latinos, Chinese, Japanese, and all the characters that crowded into California during the Gold Rush--and learn about the gangsters, surfers, architects, and Hollywood pioneers who brought fame to the City of the Angels. Then, discover the city yourself with six guided walking/driving tours of LA's historic neighborhoods, profusely illustrated with color photographs and period maps.

Book Synopsis

There's more to Los Angeles than lights, camera, action! From the city's early, devilish days populated by missionaries, robber barons, oil wells and orange groves, Chronicles of Old Los Angeles explains how the Wild West became the Left Coast. Learn how Alta California became the 31st state, and how ethnic waves built Los Angeles--from Native Americans to Spaniards, Latinos and Asians, followed by gangsters, surfers, architects and the Hollywood pioneers who brought fame to the City of the Angels. Then, discover the city yourself with six guided walking/driving tours of LA's historic neighborhoods, profusely illustrated with color photographs and period maps.

Review Quotes

"As always with Museyon Guides, the book features beautiful paintings and archival photographs. It concludes with six driving and walking tours. The Hollywood driving tour is especially fascinating, with stops at several Hollywood studios and the Hollywood sign." --June Sawyers, Chicago Tribune

"In this case, a fun and informative collection of essays, photos, and maps that touches on everything L.A., from its earliest days as a pueblo through the rush of immigrants to surfers and evangelists, film stars and oil barons--and a lot in between. The 24 essays here are short and informative, and the wit and charm of author Roman (Chronicles of Old Las Vegas; Chronicles of Old New York) keeps the reader interested in myriad topics." --Teri Shiel, Library Journal

"You can haunt Mickey Choen's 'Sunset Strip' in West Hollywood, learn and visit the site of the Chinese Tong War in 1871, wallow in the mystery that is 'preacher' Aimee Semple McPherson in Venice, and walk in the sandy steps of the Beach Boys in the South Bay." --Sam McManis, Sacramento Bee

About the Author

James Roman is the author of Chronicles of Old Las Vegas and Chronicles of Old New York and served as editorial contributor to New York Living magazine for six years. He contributes regularly to publications that document emerging technology, and he appeared on the HBO television series Six Feet Under. He lives in Los Angeles.