Big Sur: A Battle for the Wilderness 1869-1981 (SIGNED)

Pacific Grove, CA: The Boxwood Press, 1981. First Edition. SIGNED by the author on title page. Oblong 8vo. 143 pp. Index. Photo-illustrations. Stiff illustrated wrappers in near fine condition (previous owner label; minor wear). Item #17352
ISBN: 0910286876

This is the story of the bold people who came to Big Sur when it was a wilderness. It tells why they came, what they did to make a living, and what happened - and is still happening - to the social structure and problems of administration of the rugged coastline and wild land behind. Will the land remain more or less a wilderness inhabited by a relatively few strong characters, will it become a reserve, managed by federal or state agencies, or will it succomb to intense 'development' with motels, towns and other signs of 'civilization'? John Woolfenden tells the tale in his accurate and engaging style, and with good humor. Contents include: The Pfeiffers - First permanent white residents; The Posts - via Baja to Alta California; The Castros, the de la Torres, the Danis; The Coopers, the Bixbys, the Ricos; The Partingtons and their neighbors; Sam Trotter's memoirs; The Harlans of Lucia - 'Not Big Sur'; The Santa Lucia gold rush; On with the dance! And bring the mail!; The Waters family - Freight-hauling to the coast; The Harry Dick Ross story; Dr. John L.D. Roberts, and Highway 1; The Lathrop Browns - and others; The highway's aftermath; Double, double toil and trouble; Legislation; Index.

Price: $50.00

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