California: A Sketchbook [Hardcover]

Elisha Cooper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2000

Bargain Books are non-returnable.

Artist and writer Elisha Cooper is new to California, which is why he traveled up and down the state to acquaint himself with it. Along the way he visited numerous locales and encountered dozens of characters that typify the diviersity and rich eccentricity that somehow only the Golden State can accommodate. With an observant eye, he made his way from Eureka to Joshua Tree, Yosemite to Maverick's, spending time with farmers, firemen, water delivery people, and everyone in between. Narrated in Cooper's memorably waggish prose, this sketchbook takes a surprisingly intimate look at the nation's most populous state fleshed out in an evocative, breezy wash of watercolor. Beyond Los Angeles and San Francisco, the two metropolises as different as night and day, California's byways and backroads are amply represened to provide a full detailed picture. For native and visitor alike, California is an idiosycratic tribute to the state that anchors the West and inspires dreamers from around the world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Elisha Cooper is an author whose previous titles include A Year in New York, Off the Road, and A Day at Yale, as well as several children's books. He lives in Northern California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081182697X
• ISBN-13: 978-0811826976
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,657,382 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Elisha Cooper is the award-winning author of "Beach," which won the 2006 Society of Illustrators Gold Medal. Other picture books include "A Good Night Walk," "Magic Thinks Big," and "Dance!," a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. His adult books include the memoir "Crawling: A Father's First Year." Elisha Cooper lives with his family in New York City.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Atmospheric journey through the Golden State, May 4, 2000

By 

Josh (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: California: A Sketchbook (Hardcover)

What Cooper's book is not: ponderous or trite, heavy-handed or unthinking. On the contrary, Cooper does a wonderful job of blending keen observations with a terrific simplicity. It didn't tell me what to think or see, but it did a wonderful job of showing me what the state was about--warts and all. Rarely have I felt that a place was so well captured. And it took all that Cooper did, the pictures and the text, to pull it off. Without either, it wouldn't have worked, falling into simplicity or pedantry. But it does work. Imagine Bruce Chatwin with a sketchbook. It was a real joy to read.

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Example of Sketches & Reminder of California Sites, August 10, 2009

By 

Reborn Elvis fan (California transfer in New England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: California: A Sketchbook (Hardcover)

I like this book of illustrations. Not overly done and just a 'nice' reminder of the memorable sites of California. It's nostalgic and relaxing for me to view it. Maybe set some California music (Beach Boys or Tony Bennett's 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco, Randy Newman's I Love LA...and whatever...), liberations, and snacks (chips & Salsa). Then relax, be mellow, and experience California 'cool' in the comforts of your home. May be particularly helpful during a !@&&* New England winter. Enjoy!