The Shirley Letters

The Shirley Letters by Louise Clapp

The Shirley Letters, penned from the heart of the mining camps in 1851 and 1852, provide a rare and invaluable glimpse into a male-dominated era through the eyes of a woman. These letters vividly capture the realities of Gold Rush life, recounting dramatic events such as murders, tragic accidents, violent deaths, mob justice, public whippings, hangings, a suicide attempt, and a deadly duel. They also depict the social world of the time, from bars draped in the ubiquitous red calico that colored California’s society to the occasional indulgence of an oyster feast. Set against the breathtaking and imposing backdrop of the Sierra, this classic work offers a perspective on the Gold Rush that is by turns humorous, deeply empathetic, and consistently authentic.

Condition: NEW