Customer Reviews

Big Bad Bodie: High Sierra Ghost Town

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The collaborative effort of James Watson and Doug Brodie, Big Bad Bodie: High Sierra Ghost Town is the history of a Western ghost town of the 19th and 20th centuries, as compiled from newspapers, personal testimony, research in the Bodie area of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and more. Black-and-white photographs complement the primary sources that compile an accurate and memorable picture of what life in Bodie was really like. Big Bad Bodie is a welcome addition to Western American History Studies collections and would well serve as a template for specialized "yesteryear" histories of other western communities as well.

After visiting Bodie a few years back, I wanted to know more about it's history and the characters that made up the town. This book provides excellent information on the people and businesses of Bodie. I definitely want to go back now! The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five was that I thought the authors got off on a couple too many tangants about towns in the region other than Bodie. If I lived in the area and knew these towns, it would be great, but since I don't, I just want to hear about Bodie. Otherwise, a fun read!

Wonderful historical book about this infamous Sierra ghost town. Seems well researched and covers what is worth knowing about Bodie. A good read and not as 'dry' as some historical tomes can often be.

The latest book on Bodie that I have found. The authors provide detailed information missing in past books about Bodie. Lots of photos plus detailed info on "Bodie Bill", his life and the 1932 fire. One of the best in my collections of books on the eastern Sierra mining camps and Bodie.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

"In 1879 through 1881Bodie, California was one of the richest mining towns in the West." Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the town is now a historic state park. Both gold and silver were excavated from the town's mines. "Bodie is the best-preserved ghost town in the West.

James Watson and Doug Brodie combine history, legend and never before shared stories with their readers to bring to life the image of Bodie, once a thriving town now a ghost town.

The author's discuss how to obtain an education in an obscure isolated town called Bodie. "The Bodie Public School opened its doors the second Tuesday of March, 1878." There were 10 eager students. Within two weeks there were 40 students. The teacher was paid $100.00 per month.

The town is located 15 miles from Mono Lake. The lake has been referred to as "the Dead Sea of the West." The lake was used for transporting materials "to build the railroad and to haul wood products and lumber."

In 1911 a blizzard hit the area resulting in three avalanches, leaving nine dead. "The tremendous weight of snow on the mountainside gave way and with a roar bore down on the unsuspecting occupants of the dwellings....Within seconds the powerhouse and cottages were ripped off their foundations and flattened."

"Big Bad Bodie: High Sierra Ghost Town," by James Watson and Doug Brodie, is fascinating. The combination of facts and myth helps to teak the reader's interest. The photographs add much to the story, bringing the town to the reader. I found myself pondering the photographs. My husband and I are born tourist, we definitely want to see Bodie. I highly recommend this book to those interested in history, travel, ghost stories and nonfiction.


Received book free of charge.

A very interesting treatise on a unique part of California history. Well documented from historical archives.