Comstock Bonanza Press Bookstore
BOOKS ABOUT CALIFORNIA
GOLD RUSH HISTORY • GOLD MINING • PIONEER FAMILIES • FRONTIER SETTLEMENTS • EARLY NEWSPAPERS • NEVADA COUNTY VITAL RECORDS • FOOTHILLS GUIDEBOOKS • SIERRA NEVADA HISTORY
Recently Published |
NEVADA CITY AND BEYOND: An Unscripted Life
Richard E. Tuttle
Candid account of the author’s schoolboy adventures in a mining town during the 1920s and 1930s; his wartime exploits in Benghazi, Libya, and internment in a German POW camp; early career as a fledgling attorney and professional lobbyist and involvement in the 1960s Civil Rights struggle in Mississippi; appointment to the Superior Court and California Energy Commission by Gov. Jerry Brown; musings about politics and war in the 21st century, and some curious encounters with the “Rich and Infamous” while on the bench. Jonathan Moore, former Ambassador to the UN says: "Tuttle's witness and analysis is surprising, suspenseful, ironic, irreverent, indignant, hilarious, idealistic, generous and, above all, high spirited."
232 pp. 35 illus; paper $20.00
Kindle eBook edition $15.00
Nook eBook edition $15.00
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CALIFORNIA’S TROUBADOUR: A Life & Selected Poems of Clarence Thomas Urmy
Gage McKinney
Clarence Urmy wrote poems in the Sierra Nevada beside the Yuba River, and settled in San Jose by the banks of the Guadalupe. In the late 1890s and early 1900s his work appeared in the pages of The Atlantic Monthly, Overland Monthly, The Century, Munsey’s, Cosmopolitan, Sunset, The Smart Set, The Independent, Lippincott’s, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Youth’s Companion. The author says, “Even when a poet must earn a living (which Urmy did as musician and teacher and eventually as critic and professor) his first thought in the morning and last at night is about his chosen work.”
148 pp. 18 illus; paper $20.00
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THE NATURE OF THIS PLACE: Investigations and Adventures in the Yuba Watershed
Bruce Boyd and Liese Greensfelder, editors
Foreword by Gary Snyder
Twenty years ago neighbors in the Sierra Nevada foothills began an experiment to co-manage federal forest lands interwoven throughout their community. They founded the Yuba Watershed Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to forest stewardship, and published Tree Rings, a spirited journal of personal observations, musings and art inspired by their place in the world: the Yuba River watershed in Northern California. This book contains a mix of compelling essays, poems, insightful drawings and photographs from the pages of Tree Rings. Here is the inspiring record of a rural community working to understand, restore, learn from—and live from—the natural world. It is thoughtful, funny and caring, portrayed with consummate love by a talented tribe of naturalists, natives, foresters, loggers, biologists, philosophers, craftspeople, retirees, artists, writers, farmers, historians and poets. "As fresh and pungent as if you had just engaged your senses for the first time,” says Peter Coyote. "The rest of the world could learn a few lessons from the Yuba!” according to Peter Moyle. "This treasure trove of writings and charming illustrations lifts the reader’s heart," writes Phyllis M. Faber, and Kevin Starr adds, "the Local rises to preserve bioregional identity and value."
232 pp.
120 illus, 2 maps; paper $20.00
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THE 1930s: NO DEPRESSION HERE
by Gage McKinney
Author of When Miners Sang
The astonishing story of how a depressed rural region in the 1920s was unexpectedly transformed after the Stock Market Crash of 1929 into a scene of vibrant activity and record employment. Gold from the richest mining districts of California made boom towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City while the rest of America staggered under the burdens of unemployment, financial failure and collapse. It wasn't all peaches and cream—some refugees from the cities and the Dust Bowl suffered before finding their way to the region, but they found jobs that paid living wages. Families soon were buying homes and automobiles and appliances, further spurring the local economy. Amazingly, the population of the area doubled between 1930 and 1940, during which time the region benefited from the work relief programs inaugurated by President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, and local leaders attracted public works projects that renewed the local infrastructure. This is probably the most upbeat account ever written about the Great Depression—and every word is true. California historian Kevin Starr calls it "a first-rate work of regional history."
632 pp.
150 illus, 3 maps; paper $30.00
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California Gold Rush (1848-1860) |
BRIDES OF THE GOLD RUSH 1851-1859
by David Allan
Comstock
Many of California's forty-niners returned home, married their Eastern
sweethearts and brought their brides back to the mining camps. From contemporary news
accounts and hundreds of actual letters written to and from the gold fields we get an
intimate look at the rough and tumble (frequently violent) era of the 1850s.
444 pp. illus. maps; hardcover $15.00
paperback edition $10.00
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150 YEARS AGO:
A Sketch of Nevada County, California
by Aaron A. Sargent; arranged and annotated
by David A. Comstock
The author of this compact history was only 28 when he wrote it, barely eight years after
gold was found at Sutter's Mill. He witnessed, or heard at one remove, most of the events
described. Sargent was a journalist and lawyer who later served as Congressman, U.S. Senator
and Minister to Germany.
(A Gold Discovery Sesquicentennial publication.)
32 pp. illus; paper $4.50
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NEWS &
ADVERTISING IN THE EARLY GOLD CAMPS of Nevada County, California (1850 to 1862)
compiled and
annotated by David A. Comstock
All the vital statistics and most significant
local stories (as well as many unique and important items about state, national and world
events and celebrities) contained in surviving copies of local newspapers. Everything likely
to interest historians and genealogists is here, plus notes to correct errors of fact and
spelling, or to call attention to items that are omitted for reasons of space or narrowness
of scope (e.g. lists of delinquent taxpayers or undelivered letters at the post offices)
so researchers can find the missing information in library microfilms. (Primary sources:
Nevada Democrat, Nevada Journal, Morning Transcript and Young America of
Nevada City; Grass Valley Telegraph and Grass Valley National. Secondary sources: Alta California and
California Courier of San Francisco; Placer Times, Transcript and Union
of Sacramento; Marysville Herald.)
3,074 pages on one infinitely searchable CD for only $99.00
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IT HAPPENED AT THE NATIONAL:
The Story of the National Exchange Hotel, Nevada City, California—The Center of Town Life for Over 150 Years
by Maria E. Brower
Probably the oldest continuously operating hotel in California. An accurate history of this hotel could not be written without including the colorful historical background of Nevada City from Gold Rush days right up to the present, or describing the fascinating careers of people who made the mining town hum. It was said that over $8 million passed over the counter of the National Hotel bar in the 19th century. Such annoyances as neighboring brothels were handled with discretion on all sides. Copiously illustrated and full of anecdotes, a book for all ages to enjoy and savor.
182 pp. 63 illus, 3 maps; paper $20.00
Gold Mining Towns During and After the Civil War |
GREENBACKS & COPPERHEADS 1859-1869
by David Allan
Comstock
California
pioneers in the turbulent 1860s. Many rushed to Virginia City’s silver mines and made
fortunes. They took opposing sides during the Civil War, and helped plan and build a giant
transcontinental railroad to link East and West. Based on hundreds of letters, journals and
newspaper accounts. (Sequel to Brides of the Gold Rush.)
428 pp.
illus. maps; hardcover $15.00
paperback edition $10.00
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HIGHLY RESPECTABLE FAMILIES: The
Cornish of Grass Valley
by Shirley Ewart (with Harold T. George)
Cornish tin miners—the world's most experienced underground mineworkers—began
rushing to California in 1849. By 1870 “Cousin Jacks” and “Cousin Jennies,” as they were
known, were so numerous in Grass Valley that their traditions and customs began to shape the
ethical and moral standards of the entire community.
192 pp. illus. maps, glossary; paper
$11.50
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1895 PICTORIAL
HISTORY of Nevada County, California
by W. F. Prisk Jr., J. E. Poindestre,
Samuel Butler, David and Ardis Comstock
This lavishly illustrated book
is a treasure-trove of long-forgotten information, including 290 rare photos and drawings,
and 2,000 cross-referenced listings of residents, towns, mines, businesses, schools,
churches, etc. Combines two unusual and antique publications first published in 1895 at
Grass Valley.
192 pp. large format, illus; paper $20.00
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INDEX to the 1880 History of
Nevada County, California
compiled by Ardis and David Comstock
Early county historians often
neglected to index their books, driving researchers wild. Now the contents of Thompason and
West's comprehensive work are accessible, with over 7,500 cross-referenced listings.
Correct spellings and missing given names or initials are supplied, and women are listed under given and married names.
84 pp. large format; comb-binding $17.50
California Underground Gold Mining (1851-1956) |
GOLD IN QUARTZ: The Legendary Idaho Maryland
Mine
by Jack Clark
The nation’s largest gold producer in 1866-1871, and the California leader during
1873-1892. Amazingly, the Idaho Maryland’s output was ten times greater in 1939-1941,
second only to the giant Homestake Mine in South Dakota. Here is the complete history, as
told by the only man (except the owners) who had such unique access to operations above and
below ground, and was underground superintendent when it closed in 1956.
288 pp.
illus. maps, glossary; hardcover $34.00
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WHEN MINERS SANG: The Grass Valley
Carol Choir
by Gage McKinney
When Cornish miners immigrated to America they brought with them a
unique tradition of glee clubs and carol singing. This music had its public premiere at
Grass Valley in 1875, and Cornish-inspired carol choirs have been performing ever since.
A history of how and where it began, and who wrote, directed and performed the music.
300 pp. illus. maps; paper $12.50
California Miscellany |
NEVADA COUNTY VITAL STATISTICS 1850-1869
compiled by Ardis and David Comstock
Many important early records of Nevada County, California, were destroyed
by fires, but information for this book was gleaned from cemeteries, newspapers, letters,
diaries and family records to produce lists of births, marriages, separations, divorces,
naturalizations and deaths. Includes names of clergymen who served the area.
108 pp.
large format; comb-binding $20.00
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LAUNCHED INTO ETERNITY: Lynchings and Judicial Executions in 19th Century Nevada County
by Orval Bronson
Between 1851 and 1884, thirteen men were executed in Nevada County. Of the thirteen, six were hanged by vigilantes and seven were hanged after judicial trials. Three others, in jail awaiting execution, escaped hanging—two by suicide and one by intervention of the California Supreme Court.
116 pp. illus;
paper $19.00
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California Before the Gold Rush (1775-1848) |
FELICIANA'S CALIFORNIA
MIRACLE
by Esther J. Comstock
Capt. Juan Bautista de Anza brought a company of Mexican colonists to Alta
California in 1775, including a young widow and her two daughters. After enduring a dangerous
and exciting journey, Feliciana Gutierrez de Arballo arrived at Mission San Gabriel, where
she remarried and eventually became the matriarch of a California dynasty.
178 pp.
illus. glossary; hardcover $8.50
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VALLEJO & THE
FOUR FLAGS:
A True Story of Early California
by Esther J. Comstock
Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo's life story is the history of California! After the Mexican
revolt against Spain he joined the army at age 15, eventually becoming a general.
The California Bear Flag was created in his house while Vallejo was held prisoner at
Sutter's Fort, and he helped write the State Constitution after the American victory.
142 pp. illus. glossary; paper $10.00
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California Twentieth Century |
TULE LAKE: From Relocation to Segregation
by Harold S. Jacoby
In 1942 the U.S. Government removed most persons of Japanese ancestry (including American-born citizens) from their Pacific Coast homes and put them in ten relocation centers. This inside story of one such camp, written by a former staff member, is meant to provide a balanced and accurate picture of what really took place.
122 pp. illus; paper $8.50
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SHOWDOWN AT THE BOUZY ROUGE: People v. PG&E
by Tom Nadeau; illus. by Jeri Janis
When a wildfire burned homes and 500 acres of land around the historic town of Rough and Ready, the local district attorney filed 767 criminal charges against the nation's largest investor-owned utility. Special prosecutor Jenny E. Ross used PG&E's own documents to convict the utility giant. A great (true) tale, wonderfully told.
116 pp. illus. maps; paper $8.50
Contemporary California |
EXPLORING NEVADA COUNTY; An Illustrated Guide to Local Landmarks and Historic Sites REVISED EDITION
by the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission
188 photos and 19 maps show where to find over 190 landmarks scattered throughout Nevada County. Use it to plan family outings and entertain guests. Identifies buildings and sites in Truckee, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Rough and Ready, Chicago Park, Penn Valley, Washington, North BLoomfield and North San Juan.
160 pp. illus. maps; paper $16.50
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WILDFLOWER WALKING in Lakes Basin of the Northern Sierra
by Toni Fauver; illus. by Marion Steinbach
Trail maps and the author's incisive descriptions guide you along the beautiful trails of Lakes Basin in the upper elevations of Sierra and Plumas counties. Abundant water from lakes, creeks and springs combines with forests, meadows and rocky terrain to create a diverse flora that blooms in profusion in the summer.
272 pp. 229 illus. maps, lists; paper $16.50
WILDFLOWER WALKS AND ROADS in the Sierra Gold Country
by Toni Fauver; illus. by Martha Kemp
This beautifully illustrated guide tells how to locate and identify hundreds of plants native to California's Gold Country. Eight mini-regions (from Madera and Mariposa counties in the south, to Butte County in the north) are examined by the author, an expert in the field. Lists trails, parks and likely spots to find each flower and plant.
368 pp. 300 illus, maps, lists; paper $16.50
SHIPPING INFORMATION
During final Checkout (after giving your account information) you will be able to choose an alternate method of shipping:
1. Standard U.S. Media Mail: 1-2 weeks; $3.75 for first book, $0.75 for each additional book. 2. U.S. Priority Mail: 3-5 days; $5.00 for first book, $1.00 for each additional book. If this is a gift, be sure to specify a different shipping address, and fill out any optional note if prompted during final checkout. When you are finished shopping you may view your cart and proceed to checkout.
BELONGING: A Tale of Downieville and California's Modern Gold Country
by Bill Pieper (A Novel)
The year is 1974 and friction between newcomers and local residents is on the rise on the north fork of the Yuba Rover. To be reelected, Sheriff Buck Thompson must seek the backing of former flatlanders who despise his “old-boy” connections. Then a tragic drowning changes nearly everything in this moving novel about the meaning of place.
196 pp; paper $10.95
ON LINE, BUT OFF THE GRID!
When we began publishing California history in 1979 we had no telephone, and no power but what we generated ourselves. In 1989 we installed a battery-powered stationary microwave phone connection, and in 1999 we began using solar power to run our computers, printers and lights. In 2000 the old phone system bit the dust and was replaced by a cell phone, and in mid-2008 we obtained our wireless link to the internet. We still operate in the woods, miles away from paved roads, power poles and water lines. Sure, we're a little behind the times, but what else could you expect from a couple of octogenarians who care so much about history?
COMSTOCK BONANZA PRESS18919 William Quirk Mem Dr, Grass Valley, CA 95945-8611
Phone: 530-263-2906
email: info@comstockbonanza.com
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