Books of the California Centennial

LARGELY because California history already occupied a favored position in the estimation of bibliophiles, the celebration of the years, roughly from 1845 to 1850, stimulated a fairly broad publishing program. Possessing a history unlike that of some states, California experienced a of interesting and significant events over the span of a half decade, each of which was worthy of some commemoration, so that the publishers were not faced with the necessity of issuing all their items within a few weeks or months. As a result the publication program was broad and comprehensive, and many notable books became available in new format. By and large, the items chosen for publication were chiefly books and documents written by participants in the Mexican War and the Gold Rush. A few pieces of current research, some scholarly, others the work of enthusiastic or competent amateurs, found their places in the lists, but the most important objective was that of publishing works, hitherto rare, in attractive style so that they would appeal to collectors. This in some respects added to, rather than detracted from, their value, despite the common absence of thorough editing, footnotes, and the paraphernalia of research. These latter aids would have been useful additions, but their place was taken in large part by excellent forewords and introductory notes by highly competent persons, so that their lack was not felt so greatly. It is probably safe to conclude that these reprints and other accounts will find a valued place in the libraries of institutions and individuals, and will constitute a portion of Californiana without which serious study in the future will be difficult. In general, there were four major sources of books for the California Centennial. Individuals and independent publishers, such as Joseph A. Sullivan of Oakland and Ward Ritchie of Los Angeles, issued interesting volumes; commercial publishers, such as Knopf and Hastings House, produced both centennial series and occasional items of value; book

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