Los Angeles: Portrait of a City

From the first known photograph taken in Los Angeles to its most recent sweeping vistas, this photographic tribute to the City of Angels provides a fascinating journey through the city’s cultural, political, industrial, and sociological history. Now available in a popular Reader’s Edition, the book traces the city’s development from the 1880s’ real estate boom, through the early days of Hollywood and the urban sprawl of the late 20th century, right up to the present day.

The city’s pop cultural movements, its music, surfing, health food fads, gangs, and hot rods are included, as are its notorious crimes and criminals. Events that made world news—including two Olympics, Bobby Kennedy’s assassination, and the Rodney King riots—reveal a city of many dimensions. Hollywood and its celebrities are showcased along with many other notable residents, personalities, architects, artists, and musicians.

Featuring hundreds of recently discovered images including those of Julius Shulman, Garry Winogrand, William Claxton as well as essays by renowned California historian Kevin Starr and Los Angeles literature expert David L. Ulin, this is an unparalleled tribute to LA, in all its glory and its grit.

Text in English, French, and German