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A review by nanvdand
The King of California: J.G. Boswell and the Making of A Secret American Empire by Rick Wartzman, Mark Arax
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.