Customer Reviews

Rosa May: The Search for a Mining Camp Legend

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I had read and commented on: The Guide to Bodie and Eastern Sierra Historic Sites (Western Americana History Series): by George Williams and became interested enough to buy this book. I feel I now have a better idea of life in Bodie during the late 1800's and early 1900's, and I have learned a great deal about Mr. Williams and his early tries at being an author. I intend to return to Bodie next summer and if the occasion arises I would like to meet Mr. Williams. Any one who can write a book so compelling that I finished it in two settings must be an interesting man to know. I also want to go to Rosa May's grave and see if I too can sense the compelling interest in Rosa May that Mr. Williams felt when he first went there. Don Gerue

I imagine it is difficult to conceive that a "soiled dove" could become such a legend and important figure in the old west but that is exactly the case with "Rosa May." Rosa May was a prostitute in 1879 in Virginia City, Nevada. She was well known and well-loved by a majority of the townspeople and contributed money and time to various social and municipal causes.
"Rosa May: The Search For A Mining Camp Legend" by George Williams, III is the story of one person's search to find the truth about the historical importance of a person who lived on the margins of life and left little information that was not fable or plain lies. Williams in "Rosa May" acts as the best historian or detective in seeking primary sources and other information regarding this remarkable frontier woman. It is truly an interesting read and gives a very vivid picture of the "old west" and the special place "Rosa May" held in Virginia City and its history. Great writing, great research and excellent heretofore unseen photos make this a must read for any fan of this historic western town.

George Williams did an excellent job on reserching this amazing woman! A true story of a woman who made mistakes and in the end, helped people risking her own life and then paying for it. She will definatly find a way into the readers heart.

My wife and I made the trek to Bodie while visiting Yosemite NP one spring. There is a museum/gift shop in one of the remaining buildings there, and the wife bought a copy of this book. It had since gone missing and I found it was out of print. Fortunately 'Blue Moon Books' had a single copy still available and it's actually autographed by the author! Our previous copy was not. Anyone interested in Western history, mining towns, ghost towns or just looking for a great read would find this book enjoyable. Definitely worth buying a used copy if necessary. Charming and heartwarming story that offers a unique insight into the 'oldest profession'.

I read this book several years ago. As a writer, who enjoys "early California-Irish history," I was impressed by the diligent work of G. Williams. This book is a caring, thoughtfull book, covering many aspects of mining history -- complete with colorful characters like rosa may.

I visited Bodie the first time in 1990 when my Grandfather was living in Mammoth. Since then I have always been fascinated with the town. My husband and I loved the name, so in 2000 we named our second son after it. 2 summers ago we took him there to see his namesake. It was very cool! When a very good friend of mine gave me this book I was thrilled. A very compelling read, I learned A LOT about Bodie and other mining camps of the late 19th century. I also learned much about why women turned to prostitution and why they had such a hard time getting out of it. Thank you to Mr. George williams III, who spent so much time, money, and effort compiling all the information. It's nice to know that not everyone is forgotten once they are gone.

I lived in bodie as a child before it became a state park, I own one of Rosa May's perfume bottles, the one with the daisys for the top. I haven't read the book, but I know the town pretty well.