Up and Down California in 1860-1864: The Journal of William H. Brewer, Fourth Edition, with Maps

William Brewer worked with a team headed by Josiah Whitney, after whom Mt. Whitney is named, conducting the first survey of California's natural resources following the gold rush. Drought and atmospheric rivers were part of California's climate during 1860 - 1864 just like today. The old missions had fallen into disrepair, the railroad had yet to arrive, and travel was difficult for men, horses and mules, yet the team persevered. If you're interested in California history, you'll love this down-to-earth, very factual book.

The writer of this journal was a highly educated man who spent significant time organizing his observations. This is a great read for anyone interested in what California was really like in the 1860s. I highly recommend this journal.

I loved this book. It really gives you an understanding of what California was like in the 1860's. His descriptions and experiences help you imagine what it was like back then. It is also a very enjoyable read. So fun to hear him describe all the areas of California back then.

I'm about halfway with this book right now and even as a lifelong Californian I'm learning so much about the history and ecosystem of the state. William H. Brewer was hired by Whitney to help him conduct his 1860 survey of California (which the mountain is named for). Brewer was a highly educated botanist so offered a scientific but surprisingly entertaining account of his travels in letters and journal entries collected chronologically in the book. At the time of the survey the Civil War broke out so we also get a glimpse of that unique time in American history from the perspective of the west as their team stayed up to date through newspapers and letters with the east coast. Though some of his statements are less than politically correct, he was limited by the culture surrounding him that falsely touted manifest destiny. Highly recommend!

I started this book with mild interest, but as the book goes on it becomes more and more interesting. I live in California and this journey made the whole state come alive. Now I am ready for a long road trip to see this state in a whole new light. Highly recommended.

What a fascinating accounting of California as it was. Brewer's own field notes tell the story of places he visited on his journey. Many still exist today and what makes this special is that you can visit them with Brewer's observations in mind as a comparison.This is a great companion to "The WPA Guide to California: The Federal Writers' Project Guide to 1930s California".

Fascinating and very readable account by a remarkable man who traveled 15,000 miles through California during the Civil War. Great accounts of the state in its early days. Brewer climbed many of the peaks of the Sierra, Coastal Ranges, and Trinity Alps, as well as Shasta and Lassen. You will be amazed at the strenuous journeys over the mountains, deserts, and the vast central valley. Brewer comes across as likeable and perceptive.

I bought this book upon recommendation of a friend, and found it absolutely fascinating. As a native Californian that knows the state very well, this book gave me insight in what it was like before 45 million people lived here! Many of the place names are still in use - but now the places are covered with highways, homes, and shopping centers! I have seen California grow a lot in the last 60 years, and this adds to that perspective! While there are a few spots yet in California that would look the same to Brewer today as they did in the 1860's, he would be shocked at what has happened. I especially liked some of his opinions about Los Angeles and the Central Valley!