Customer Reviews

Contested Eden: California Before the Gold Rush (California History Sesquicentennial Series)

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

 

 

This book looks at pre-gold rush California from various angles. Essays on native California history, along with indigenous actions during early occupation years are major parts of this text. The history of "Californio" women and indigenous sexuality are also included. Californio and Anglo interactions between 1820 and 1850 cover new ground.

At times the work appears a bit "heady" because the advanced vocabulary. However, this is a "must read" for any California scholar.

....for my doctoral research, which involves the history of California. The editors made a conscious choice to show this history in less Eurocentric form; Native Californian voices and perspectives are taken seriously, and there is good ethnographic and naturalistic information to be had.

While I'm not an expert in this area, I do question whether the persistent use of terms like "aristocracy," "hierarchy," "wealth," "headman," and "chief" are appropriate when discussing Native Californians. My impression is that our Western and European prejudices are still at work here.

This book looks at pre-gold rush California from varorious angles. Essays on native California history, along with indigenous actions during early occupation years are major parts of this text. The history of "Californio" women and indigenous sexuality are also included.

Californio and Anglo interactions between 1820 and 1850 cover new ground.

At times the work appears a bit "heady" because the advanced vocabulary. However, this is a "must read" for any California scholar.

Contested Eden is a book filled with information, it is too bad that it comes off so much like a textbook. The stories can be good, yet can also be tedious. It is very helpful in the study of California History, yet can put one to sleep at the same time. I recommend it, but with caution.

This book looks at pre-gold rush California from varorious angles. Essays on native California history, along with indigenous actions during early occupation years are major parts of this text. The history of "Californio" women and indigenous sexuality are also included. Californio and Anglo interactions between 1820 and 1850 cover new ground.

At times the work appears a bit "heady" because the advanced vocabulary. However, this is a "must read" for any California scholar.