First person accounts of the major catastrophies of 19th century California.

It is often said that California has four seasons: drought, flood, fire, and earthquakes. Certainly, the Golden State has experienced an abundance of these disa

A detailed look at the state’s most terrifying and destructive disasters—photos included. Home to hundreds of faults, California leads the nation in frequen

"Wide-ranging, significant, and readable...It will earn respect in non-academics as well as academic circles. A first-rate job."—Lloyd Rodwin