New York: Free Press, (1998) dj. Hardcover first edition - A sweeping history of California, covering more than four centuries, which "argues that the idea of American culture spreading from East to West with westward migration is actually a misconception. . in reality, a wholly unique, multicultural society formed in California has been influencing the nation ever since. From the Spanish Conquest through the Red Scare and to the Berkeley free-speech movement, . . from Hollywood films to the poetry of Allen Ginsberg and the presidency of Ronald Reagan, California has played a key part in helping shape America's image of herself." Bibliography, index. 566 pp. ISBN: 0-684831341.