The Shirley Letters - From the California Mines, 1851-1852

A valuable and rare portrait by a woman of an era dominated by men, the letters offer a true-life picture of gold rush life; from accounts of "murders, fearful accidents, bloody deaths, a mob, whipping, a hanging, an attempt at suicide, and a fatal duel."

About the author

Louise Amelia Knapp Smith Clappe was born in New Jersey in 1819. The Herald first published Louise's letters and poems in 1851 under the pseudonym of Dame Shirley. She went on to become a well-respected schoolteacher and a leading figure in California's early literary scene.

Summary

The Shirley Letters, written from the mining camps in 1851 and 1852, are something valuable and rare—a portrait by a woman of an era dominated by men. They offer a vivid picture of gold rush life, from accounts of “murders, fearful accidents, bloody deaths, a mob, whippings, a hanging, an attempt at suicide, and a fatal duel” to bars lined with “that eternal crimson calico which flushes the whole social life of the Golden State,” and the rare and welcome luxury of oyster feasts. With the “wild grandeur and awful magnificence” of the Sierra as background, this classic account presents a picture of the gold rush that is at times humorous, at times empathetic, and always trustworthy.

Product details

• Authors: Louise Clappe, Louise Amelia Knapp Smith Clappe, Marlene Smith-Baranzini
• Assisted by: Marlene Smith-Baranzini (Editor), Smith-Baranzini Marlene (Editor)
• Publisher: Ingram Publishers Services
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 18.09.2014
• EAN: 9781890771003
• ISBN: 978-1-890771-00-3
• No. of pages: 238
• Illustrations: Illustrationen, nicht spezifiziert
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; USA, Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900, HISTORY / United States / 19th Century, c 1800 to c 1900, 19th century, c 1800 to c 1899, Local History, United States of America, USA, History of the Americas, Gold Rush; west; epistolary; women's studies; immigrants