Saga of Rancho El Tejon by Frank F. Latta

Published by Bear State Books [Latta Family Press], Santa Cruz, CA, 1976. First edition, as indicated by the number line starting at 1. SIGNED by the Latta Family Trust for the California Dept of Fish and Wildlife, in the authors hand on the half title page. Illustrated by Joe Rodriquez. Hardbound in apricot-buff cloth with embossed dark red printing on the front cover and spine, 10.25" x 7.25", map endpapers, 293 pages. Illustrated throughout with historic b&w photographs. VERY GOOD Condition: covers have some light rubbing, a small stain and light wear, the edges of the closed book have some tiny stains, internally excellent tight, bright, clean and unmarked. With Publisher's prospectus sheet laid-in.

An historical account of the famed Tejon Ranch in Southern California, focusing on the transition from Mexican Rancho era land grants to American ranching in the late 1800s. The book is largely based on years of interviews with Ranchero José Jesús López (1853-1939) who served as the foreman of the ranch for several decades. The book touches on the role of Native Americans, the development of the Tejon Reservation, and the influence of early Spanish colonists.

Frank Forrest Latta (1892-1983) California historian and ethnographer of the Yokuts people. He also wrote histories of the early European-American settlement of the San Joaquin Valley.