California is a region of rich geographic and human diversity. The authors of The Elusive Eden masterfully balance the varying environmental and cultural forces that have shaped the history of the most populous of the United States. California’s story is told with a narrative integrating the area’s north/south, coastal/interior, and urban/rural dichotomies. Questions of the role that Californians of every race, ethnicity, and gender are considered, reflecting the significant contribution each has made to make California what it is.

The book’s organization follows a chronological approach, but each part begins with a feature chapter centered around a particular theme of that period. By focusing on individuals or groups affecting a given period, the authors bring California history to life and encourage deeper thought about the issues facing Californians of the time.