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cremefracas's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing! There isn't much out there to read if you are interested in Central California history, this book kills it...
mcreed06's review against another edition
4.0
As a native Georgian well versed in the role of cotton in our state's history, it was surprising to me that California's cotton industry surpassed any in Georgia. Then again, J.G. Boswell's family originated in Georgia, and successfully farmed cotton in Greene County, Georgia before moving to California. Go figure!
I'm not going to write much about The King of California because my close friend in California, upon whose insistence that I read this book, and I indulged in several hours-long texting marathons solely on the subject of the cotton kingdom J.G. Boswell's family built. We covered every aspect; human nature, politics, subsidies, murder, agriculture, the drought, mirgrants/immigration, salacious gossip, building of wealth, and the science behind dams. It was a two person book-club over text.
It is too bad that these texts are in whichever black hole deleted texts and e-mails go when that 'delete' button is clicked. My friend who lived in Visalia, California personally knew many of the people mentioned in The King of California, and had loose ties with the Salyer family. He had interesting tidbits to share with me while I was reading the book. We planned a trip to the Joaquin Valley to see the Tulare Lake Bed and the town of Corcoran. Now, that trip may have to wait until far into the future since my friend is now moving across the United States to North Carolina.
I only wish Mark Arax and Richard Wartzman would write more books together. The two writers rival David McCullough in thorough research, superb writing and reporting of an important piece of American history. Even Joan Didion, one of the most accomplished writers in America, said so herself; Masterful reporting, invigorating narrative, a deep understanding of California and how it works - this is a flat-out wonderful book about growing cotton and making a fortune in the San Joaquin."
Now, that is a compliment coming from Joan Didion!
I'm not going to write much about The King of California because my close friend in California, upon whose insistence that I read this book, and I indulged in several hours-long texting marathons solely on the subject of the cotton kingdom J.G. Boswell's family built. We covered every aspect; human nature, politics, subsidies, murder, agriculture, the drought, mirgrants/immigration, salacious gossip, building of wealth, and the science behind dams. It was a two person book-club over text.
It is too bad that these texts are in whichever black hole deleted texts and e-mails go when that 'delete' button is clicked. My friend who lived in Visalia, California personally knew many of the people mentioned in The King of California, and had loose ties with the Salyer family. He had interesting tidbits to share with me while I was reading the book. We planned a trip to the Joaquin Valley to see the Tulare Lake Bed and the town of Corcoran. Now, that trip may have to wait until far into the future since my friend is now moving across the United States to North Carolina.
I only wish Mark Arax and Richard Wartzman would write more books together. The two writers rival David McCullough in thorough research, superb writing and reporting of an important piece of American history. Even Joan Didion, one of the most accomplished writers in America, said so herself; Masterful reporting, invigorating narrative, a deep understanding of California and how it works - this is a flat-out wonderful book about growing cotton and making a fortune in the San Joaquin."
Now, that is a compliment coming from Joan Didion!
kfreedman's review against another edition
4.0
Impressive scope covering the Boswell family's development of cotton production in California. But also a survey of the late 19th and 20th century's water policy, social changes and agriculture in the Central Valley.
nanvdand's review against another edition
4.0
I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley and lived in Corcoran four of those years in the mid 60s. Many memories came flooding back as I read this book and I now have a much better appreciation for its history. It was always Salyer and Boswell; most of my classmates’ parents worked for one of them.
A few years ago, just for grins, I drove through Corcoran. I was very saddened by what I found. Empty streets, empty stores, and a big prison in the background.
While this book isn’t riveting, it is well written and if you’re interested in the farming industry, California water usage, or land barons, this book is for you. I think the author did a pretty good job of telling both sides of the story although I’m sure many Boswells wouldn’t agree. I didn’t come away thinking Boswell as evil, just that he and his uncle were capitalists trying to grow profits. Think Google, Facebook, Amazon. It isn’t a new story.
A few years ago, just for grins, I drove through Corcoran. I was very saddened by what I found. Empty streets, empty stores, and a big prison in the background.
While this book isn’t riveting, it is well written and if you’re interested in the farming industry, California water usage, or land barons, this book is for you. I think the author did a pretty good job of telling both sides of the story although I’m sure many Boswells wouldn’t agree. I didn’t come away thinking Boswell as evil, just that he and his uncle were capitalists trying to grow profits. Think Google, Facebook, Amazon. It isn’t a new story.
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