The History of California Podcast only scratches the surface of what is to learn about the history of the Golden State. Below are the book that I am currently reading and posting chapter summaries and analysis weekly.
Jack Kerouac is known primarily for his book On the Road, which inaugurated or crystallized a culture and a way of life. Lesser known, but also influential, is his book Big Sur, which captures not only a time and set of distinct ideas, but a place as well. We will be reading this novel, a chapter at a time, taking time to appreciate Kerouac’s prose, but also in an effort to understand this time and place in California’s history.
There are many important books that give readers an early picture of California, but Two Years Before the Mast may be the single most important book in this genre given the level of detail Dana provides and the sociological picture that he paints of early California. We will be reading this book together, a chapter at a time, to understand the early days of California’s history.
After reading Sarah Bakewell’s fantastic biography of Montaigne, I decided to spend a little time each week with Montaigne, both trying to understand his perspective, but also attempting connect his ideas to my life. Below are what I am calling Musings with Montaigne, where I read his essay, summarize it as best I can, and attempt to draw some implications for myself.
Jordan Mattox 