Sons and Daughters of THE GOLDEN STATE - California. A would-be "queen" of California, a Russian lover, a consul and secret agent , a bandit/folk hero, a literary gold miner, a skiing pioneer, California's first "millionaire", and artists and adventurers of all stripes are part of California's exceptionally eventful and colorful history. The lives and exploits of extraordinary and controversial personalities, from pathfinders of yesteryear to contemporary politicians , provide an especially rich and illuminating tapestry of history. California's early days, its Spanish and Mexican periods, brief independence as the Bear Republic, and then its growth as part of the United States come to vivid and entertaining life with the description of the deeds and misdeeds of key personalities. The ongoing saga of daring and innovative luminaries helps explain the mystique of California and why it has such a storied and charismatic reputation that continues to attract people from the rest of the country as well as the world. In addition to the detailed descriptions of the many key personalities enriching and exemplifying California's lure, this book provides practical details on memorabilia including places and sightseeing attractions related to each personality.