Palos Verdes Peninsula: Time and the Terraced Land

Palos Verdes Peninsula: Time and the Terraced Land by Fink, Augusta. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780934136372.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula is but a tiny corner of our world, yet it merits attention because of its stunning beauty, magical charm, and unique physiography. Separated by its towering ridge from the teeming city of Los Angeles, it remains mantled in an aura of tranquility, its proud heritage preserved by the life-style of its communities. In this book, the story of the terraced land, as captivating as its landscape, is told with memorable clarity. From the aborigines and intrepid explorers, through the days of the dons, to the American occupation and the advent of the entrepreneurs, each episode comes alive. Among the intriguing cast of characters are Cabrillo and Vizcaino, the Dominguezes and the Sepulvedas, the Bixbys and Phineas Banning, and finally the Vanderlip family of financiers. Development of San Pedro Harbor, as well as that of the rest of the Peninsula, is described in detail.Some forty rare historical photographs complement the test, along with maps drawn especially for this volume by Jack Moffett. This edition has been updated by the author.