Synopses & Reviews
Discover one of the world’s most unique and fascinating cities through 28 dramatic true stories spanning the colorful history of San Francisco. Author Gael Chandler takes readers through more than 250 years of American history with exciting essays on topics such as the city’s origins to the founding of the Presidio of San Francisco and the Mission San Francisco de Asis to its modern role as the progressive and innovative heart of a nation. Along the way you’ll meet characters like the city’s foremother Juana Briones, Gold Rush entrepreneur Levi Strauss, confectioner Domenico Ghirardelli, gangster Al Capone, the rock legends of Haight-Ashbury, activist politician Harvey Milk, the pioneers of today’s techno boom, and many others who changed the face of the city—plus lesser-known tales, like those of the children of Alcatraz and the story of John McLaren, the architect of Golden Gate Park. In addition, guided walking tours of San Francisco’s historic neighborhoods by the bay and beyond, illustrated with color photographs and period maps, take readers to the places where history really happened.
Review
"San Francisco is such a modern, progressive city that it is easy to forget just what a rich history it has. The eighth title in Museyon's Chronicles series, Chronicles of Old San Francisco explores the City by the Bay. Beautifully illustrated, the guide concludes with eight walking tours, from Chinatown and Nob Hill to Golden Gate Park and Haight-Ashbury." —June Sawyers, Chicago Tribune
Review
“Chronicles of Old San Francisco by Gael Chandler offers a quick reference to the city’s history and players in 28 true stories covering 250 years: In it, readers will meet Levi Strauss (think blue jeans), Domenico Ghirardelli (think chocolate), the 'rock legends' of Haight-Ashbury (think Grateful Dead) and many others. Plus, local landmarks and walking tours of unique neighborhoods." —Allen Pierieoni, Sacramento Bee
Review
"You may think you know all the sordid, fascinating history of San Francisco, the so-called Baghdad by the Bay, but author Gael Chandler fleshes them out for you, giving detail about Lotta Crabtree, Levi Strauss, cable car inventor Andrew Hallidie and, of course, Harvey Milk. Plus, she devotes an entire chapter to Herb Caen, so there’s that in its favor." —Sam McManis, Sacramento Bee
Synopsis
Discover one of the world's most unique and fascinating cities through 28 dramatic true stories spanning the colorful history of
About the Author
Gael Chandler moved to San Francisco in 1970 to join the women's movement and liberate herself. Nine years later she left for Hollywood where she edited dramas, documentaries and more and received two Cable ACE nominations for her cutting on a comedy series. She taught editing and digital editing systems and wrote three books on film editing for professionals, students, and movie lovers. In 2010 she returned to northern California where she continues her love affair with the city by the bay and the land north of the Golden Gate Bridge-Marin and Sonoma counties.