\"Crimes litter the floor of California's great Central Valley like fallen plums . . . Old ties of blood, friendship, and memory are harshly tested . . . but hope takes root in the valley's generous yet unforgiving soil.\" (D.J. Waldie)
Tabloid crimes, the Roaring 20's, and the onset of the Depression form the backdrop of Rayner's captivating tale of how the City of Angels lost its soul.
A New Yorker reporter's definitive account of how decisions made behind closed doors in Washington spiraled out around the world, often with unintended consequences.
Ansary, native of Afghanistan and astute cultural interpreter, tells the rich story of world history as the Islamic world sees it, from the time of Mohammed to the fall of the Ottoman Empire and beyond.
One of the world's best-known cognitive scientists explains why understanding language is critical in politics and why Reason is not as reasonable as we thought.
Photographer/author Harry Brant Chandler and historian Kevin Starr explore the fascinating lives of inspirational Southern Californians, the subjects of Chandler's unique portraits.
A peerless interpreter of American life recounts his own long strange trip from rural Minnesota to the ivy-covered walls of Princeton-- a fascinating examination of the perils of an education that prizes the accumulation of points over the enrichment of the mind.
In this history of human adventure, one of Latin America's most distinguished writers illuminates movements of ideas and society across centuries by recalling the lives of artists, writers, gods and visionaries-- from the Garden of Eden to 21st-century New York.
How did smog help mold the modern-day culture of Los Angeles? Join this discussion about pollution, progress and the epic struggle against airborne poisons.
Violence spills north of the border after the bloodiest year in the war to control drug smuggling through Tijuana. Join journalists from San Diego and Tijuana and a long-time watchdog of border violence to discuss the difficulties faced and methods used by reporters doing their jobs in Tijuana.
Join us for an illuminating conversation with Tom Brokaw, veteran news anchor, author and 2009 recipient of the Los Angeles Public Library Literary Award.
