1st Ed. West of the West The Story of California 1542 - 1906 R Kirsch W Murphy The book is a historical anthology that compiles firsthand accounts of California?s history. It spans from the arrival of the conquistadores in 1542 to the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Kirsch and Murphy curated writings from explorers, settlers, and witnesses to provide a vivid picture of California?s transformation. It?s often described as a witness-based narrative, letting the voices of those who lived through California?s formative events tell the storyUnique perspective: Rather than a traditional history, it uses primary sources to capture the lived experience of California?s past. Cultural significance: Published during the 1960s, it reflects a growing interest in regional history and identity. Collectible: First editions and signed copies are considered valuable among collectors of Western Americana