for The Betsy Ross of the Bears

James D. Houston, author, Californians: Searching for the Golden State
Of all the writers drawn to California between 1845 and the mid-1860s, [Clappe] speaks with the most original voice. Her only real competition, in my view is Mark Twain.

The Midwest Book Review
The Shirley Letters is superb reading!

Definitive edition of a Gold Rush classic

Dame Shirley's classic (and often humorous!) letters portray the California gold rush in all its excitement and ethnic diversity. At last an edition has appeared that sets her writings in context! Editor Marlene Smith-Baranzini has done students, researchers, and history buffs a huge favor by putting together THE definitive Dame Shirley collection, complete with excellent introduction, interpretive footnotes, maps, photographs, and even a glossary. Reccommended for anyone interested in California history or just in search of a good read.

A reader from San Francisco, California
June 1, 1999

Excellent first hand portrayal of California's Gold Rush

I enjoyed this book. It give a fine first hand account of what life was like in the California gold mines at the beginning of the gold rush. The letters are well written with great attention to detail.

A reader from San Francisco, California
July 24, 1998