San Francisco: A Cultural and Literary History

I bought this book in preparation for a trip to San Francisco and it really helped me understand so much about the city, from the Gold Rush right up to the dotcom boom and crash. I especially liked the use of quotes from old sources that illustrate not just the past but the present as well. Overall, the book is very engaging and well written, I'd certainly recommend it for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of San Francisco than mainstream guide books provide.