Napa: The Transformation of an American Town (CA) (Making of America) (Paperback)

by Lauren Coodley (Author) "The indigenous people of California lived with delicacy and wisdom as they developed intricate knowledge of the plants and animals they considered kin..." (more)
Key Phrases: Napa County, Main Street, Napa College (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
With roots set deep in California history, Napa’s story reaches back to the Bear Flag Rebellion and earlier, to the first contact between Spanish explorers and the Wappo Indians. Through the founding of Spanish missions and the grants of ranchos by the Mexican government, Napa flourished under the various cultures that helped it become one of the west coast’s most dynamic cities. As it bloomed into one of the most recognizable names on the American landscape, Napa’s residents confronted issues of war and peace, of open space and sprawl.

About the Author
Author Lauren Coodley is a history professor at Napa Valley College and president of the Faculty Senate. Her narrative digs deeply into the essence of this city in the valley, following its growth through two centuries and examining the crossroads it now faces. Complemented by rare photographs from local historical societies and museums as well as the private collections of old Napa families, this is a history brought to life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC) (June 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 073852459X
• ISBN-13: 978-0738524597
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,880,902 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There's more to Napa than the wineries, May 15, 2005

By	Winnie St John (Napa, California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Napa's beauty, wineries, and weather draw visitors. To discover the history of this town, Lauren Coodley's book anchors Napa in its fascinating past. To visit here without reading her book is to miss the remarkable evolution of Napa: Indigenous people, Spanish landowners, gold seekers, farmers: all played a part in transforming the face of Napa and Napa Valley. The book is filled with wonderful photographs, and includes a recipe for Malfatti, the well known 'raviolis without flour' still served today at The Depot restaurant. I strongly suggest reading this before your visit to Napa. It will be all the more enjoyable for doing so.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The nostalgic story of what happened to Napa, California, November 12, 2007

By	Helen Cartwright "Helen C." (La Jolla, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Napa: The Transformation of an American Town (CA) (General) (Making of America) (Paperback)

I grew up in Southern California and Napa is not my home town, but this book captured and held my interest every page of the way. It is a surprisingly poignant account of how life has evolved in Napa for the people and creatures living there - from thousands of years ago, up through the decades of the 20th century. I think almost anyone could enjoy this classic American story - the rise and fall of the native Americans, waves of settlers migrating from everywhere, the gold rush, the changing role of women, rise and fall of labor unions & small business, racial relations, and most recently - urban sprawl in a one industry (wine making) city. All this is told through very personal accounts about or by people living in Napa during these times. I particularly appreciated the author's focus on women and girls. If only our school text books could be half this interesting. I highly recommend this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Read About the Real Napa!, July 5, 2004

By A Customer

This book goes beyond the myth of Napa as a tourist destination and tells the real history of the town, based on interviews and primary research. The author includes stories of labor history, social movements, and the impact of development on small town America. You will never see Napa the same way again after reading this amazing book!