Los Angeles: Maxit Publishing, Inc, (2000) dj. SIGNED hardcover first edition - The first book in the author's California Chronicles. "In 1849, San Francisco"s gold fever sparked an unprecedented maelstrom of opportunity that drew the eccentric, corrupt, powerful and cunning from every corner of the known world. In the eye of this Midas storm comes an unusual woman form the South" - Mary Ellen Pleasant, born into slavery, but in San Francisco she achieved political and financial power and used that to support the cause of abolition. INSCRIBED on the title page. Illustrated. Includes author's afterword, a timeline of California history, bibliography and a preview of the second book in the series. 588 pp. Illustrated endpapers. Book of the Year Award Winner, Foreword Magazine, sticker on front cover. ISBN: 0-970017413.