When this book was first published as a bestseller in 1960, reviewers noted that the 400-year history of Ranchero Dos Pueblos mirrored in microcosm the history of California itself. Dos Pueblos bears one of California’s oldest place-name, christened by Cabrillo during his voyage of discovery in 1542. Dubbed a “royal rancho” by historians because it was a gift of King Carlos III of Spain, Dos Pueblos was intended to support Mission Santa Barbara during the presidio period following Santa Barbara’s founding in 1782. The first private owner, Irish-born Nicholas A. Den, a medical man, was awarded ownership of the ranch in 1842 by Mexican governor Juan B. Alvarado. When Col. John C. Fremont came over the mountain to seize Santa Barbara for the U.S. during the Mexican War, he emerged onto Dos Pueblos Ranch. During the Gold Rush of ‘49, Den made his fortune selling Dos Pueblos beef to mining camps. Following Den’s death in 1862 the ranch was subdivided among his widow and numerous children. Before and after the turn of the century Royal Ranch was the scene of many diverse activities. One of its later owners bred racehorses. Another converted Dos Pueblos into the world’s largest orchid farm. A major oil company established off-shore petroleum production from pumps operated on the ranch. At the present time the historic spread specializes in such exotic crops as macadamia, cherimoyas and avocados.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Janet Maslin, The New York Times • St. Louis Post-Dispatch When Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Bill Dedman noticed in 2009 a grand home for sale, unoccupied for nearly sixty years, he stumbled through a surprising portal into American history. Empty Mansions is a rich mystery of wealth and loss, connecting the Gilded Age opulence of the nineteenth century with a twenty-first-century battle over a $300 million inheritance. At its heart is a reclusive heiress named Huguette Clark, a woman so secretive that, at the time of her death at age 104, no new photograph of her had been seen in decades. Though she owned palatial homes in California, New York, and Connecticut, why had she lived for twenty years in a simple hospital room, despite being in excellent health? Why were her valuables being sold off? Was she in control of her fortune, or controlled by those managing her money? Dedman has collaborated with Huguette Clark’s cousin, Paul Clark Newell, Jr., one of the few relatives to have frequent conversations with her. Dedman and Newell tell a fairy tale in reverse: the bright, talented daughter, born into a family of extreme wealth and privilege, who secrets herself away from the outside world. Huguette was the daughter of self-made copper industrialist W. A. Clark, nearly as rich as Rockefeller in his day, a controversial senator, railroad builder, and founder of Las Vegas. She grew up in the largest house in New York City, a remarkable dwelling with 121 rooms for a family of four. She owned paintings by Degas and Renoir, a world-renowned Stradivarius violin, a vast collection of antique dolls. But wanting more than treasures, she devoted her wealth to buying gifts for friends and strangers alike, to quietly pursuing her own work as an artist, and to guarding the privacy she valued above all else. The Clark family story spans nearly all of American history in three generations, from a log cabin in Pennsylvania to mining camps in the Montana gold rush, from backdoor politics in Washington to a distress call from an elegant Fifth Avenue apartment. The same Huguette who was touched by the terror attacks of 9/11 held a ticket nine decades earlier for a first-class stateroom on the second voyage of the Titanic. Empty Mansions reveals a complex portrait of the mysterious Huguette and her intimate circle. We meet her extravagant father, her publicity-shy mother, her star-crossed sister, her French boyfriend, her nurse who received more than $30 million in gifts, and the relatives fighting to inherit Huguette’s copper fortune. Richly illustrated with more than seventy photographs, Empty Mansions is an enthralling story of an eccentric of the highest order, a last jewel of the Gilded Age who lived life on her own terms. Praise for Empty Mansions “An amazing story of profligate wealth . . . an outsized tale of rags-to-riches prosperity.”—The New York Times “An evocative and rollicking read, part social history, part hothouse mystery, part grand guignol.”—The Daily Beast “Fascinating . . . [a] haunting true-life tale.”—People “One of those incredible stories that you didn’t even know existed. It filled a void.”—Jon Stewart, The Daily Show “Thrilling . . . deliciously scandalous.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
The 'Harvard Classics - Complete Collection of the Greatest Works of World Literature' stands as a monumental anthology that traverses the broad landscape of human thought and artistic expression. Within its pages, readers encounter an array of literary styles from the seminal works of philosophy, poetry, science, and drama. This carefully curated collection spans the epochs, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the intellectual and cultural currents that have shaped our world. Among its myriad offerings, standout pieces delve into the complexities of human nature, the pursuit of knowledge, and the beauty of the natural world, reflecting the diverse and significant contributions of its authors to the literary canon. The contributing authors and editors represent a veritable who's who of literary and intellectual giants across history. From the poetic grandeur of Goethe and the philosophical depths of Plato, to the scientific curiosity of Charles Darwin and the dramatic intensity of Sophocles, each contributor brings a unique voice and perspective to the collection. Bound by a common pursuit of truth and beauty, these works collectively highlight the cultural, historical, and literary movements of their times, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the human experience as seen through the eyes of some of its greatest observers. This anthology is not merely a collection of great works; it is an invitation to explore the richness of human culture and thought across ages. For scholars, students, and lovers of literature and philosophy alike, the 'Harvard Classics' presents a unique opportunity to engage with the profound ideas and diverse narratives that have shaped human history. Encompassing the profound, the poetic, and the profound, this collection promises to enrich the mind and stir the soul, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of human endeavor in the pursuit of knowledge and beauty.
The Complete Harvard Anthology of the Greatest Works of World Literature stands as a monumental contribution to the global literary canon, showcasing an unparalleled assembly of works across diverse genres, cultures, and epochs. This anthology traverses the full spectrum of literary artistry, from the philosophical dialogues of Plato and the tragedies of Aeschylus to the seminal novels of Miguel de Cervantes and the revolutionary scientific treatises by Charles Darwin. The collection not merely catalogs literary masterpieces but also endeavors to reveal the interconnectedness of human thought and culture, underlining standout contributions from fields as varied as literature, philosophy, and the natural sciences. The array of literary styles and thematic concerns represented here promises a rich tapestry of human experience and intellectual pursuit, capturing the essence of human creativity and inquiry throughout the ages. The contributing authors and editors of The Complete Harvard Anthology are not only titans in their respective fields but also emblematic of the historical and cultural contexts from which they emerged. From ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius to Renaissance polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci, and onward to Enlightenment thinkers such as Adam Smith and Romantic poets like Percy Bysshe Shelley, this anthology encapsulates a multitude of perspectives that have shaped human history and thought. The diverse backgrounds of these contributors ensure that the collection stands as a testament to the myriad ways in which the human condition and the quest for knowledge have been articulated across time and space, fostering an understanding of the intricate tapestry of global cultural and literary movements. This anthology is an indispensable treasure for any reader eager to embark on an expansive journey through the annals of world literature. It opens up a unique opportunity to engage with the thoughts, dreams, and imaginations of humanity's greatest minds, offering an educational experience that transcends mere literary enjoyment. Readers are invited to explore the depth and breadth of insights presented, encouraging a dialogue between the myriad voices and perspectives encapsulated within. For scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, The Complete Harvard Anthology of the Greatest Works of World Literature is not just a collection of writings but a gateway to the world's intellectual heritage, promising an enriching exploration of the human spirit encapsulated in the written word.
From the expert who promises to avoid winespeak comes an unfussy guide that focuses on American wines and on up-and-coming wineries from around the globe. For novices and afficionados alike, Anthony Dias Blue's Pocket Guide to Wine 2006 will lead you to the best choices -- and values -- without pretense or hyperbole. With a special eye for American wines and those that are unheralded yet not to be missed, Blue makes the process of choosing wine in a store or restaurant simple. He provides: Extensive listings of wineries on six continents, from Mexico to South Africa, from Long Island to Israel, and even from China to India Outstanding and cult wineries -- and wineries to watch Profiles of each region that focus on key characteristics and varieties Ratings, succinct descriptions, and opinions about each producer Updated vintage reports Advice about what to drink now
