What is this book about?
The book delves into the etymology and history behind many of California's place names. Its primary focus is on names derived from Native American languages (primarily Ohlone and Miwok) and Spanish sources. Davis explains the meaning of these names, often providing the original word and its translation. She then weaves a narrative connecting these names to specific geographical features, historical events, or people. The subtitle, "Their Meaning and Their Romance," hints at the author's engaging style, presenting the history not just as facts, but as stories full of romance and human experience. The book serves as both a linguistic guide and a historical snapshot of California's complex past.
