Shirley Letters: From the California Mines

Stunningly vivid work. I've read many books that cover the Gold Rush era. This one is by far the best at bringing it to life. It was written by a woman who lived right where it was happening, when it was happening. Written for the popular (newspaper) press of the time, her stories paint a picture of the setting, the people, and the values of the day that is simply unmatched. Even better, the editor has done an admirable work of putting the author's life and work into context, with a helpful introduction, endnotes, and glossary of place names.

Edited with an Introduction by Marlene Smith-Baranzini, The Shirley Letters: From The California Mines 1851-1852 by Louise Amelia Knapp Smith Clappe presents the contemporary reader with vivid first-person accounts of what it was like to live in the midst of the great California gold rush. Written in the form of letters by a doctor's wife who lived through the thick and thin of boisterous events, The Shirley Letters encompass mob violence, summary justice, a duel to the death, a rowdy July 4th celebration, and much, much more. A first-rate primary source, The Shirley Letters offers especial insight to American history and is highly recommended for both personal reading lists and academic reference collections.

This book was excellent! The author of the letters does a wonderful job of taking you back in time. Back to a setting that is rugged and unspoiled; filled with Indians and 49ners, alike. Almost written in prose, this book is filled with adventure, as well as humor, allowing the reader to experience the raw lifestyle through an honest depiction of the goldrush days.

Dame Shirley's classic (and often humorous!) letters portray the California gold rush in all its excitement and ethnic diversity. At last an edition has appeared that sets her writings in context! Editor Marlene Smith-Baranzini has done students, researchers, and history buffs a huge favor by putting together THE definitive Dame Shirley collection, complete with excellent introduction, interpretive footnotes, maps, photographs, and even a glossary. Reccommended for anyone interested in California history or just in search of a good read.

I enjoyed this book. It give a fine first hand account of what life was like in the California gold mines at the beginning of the gold rush. The letters are well written with great attention to detail.