The Splendid Idle Forties: Stories of Old California

"The Splendid Idle Forties: Stories of Old California" by Gertrude Atherton is a collection of historical narratives set in the vibrant and tumultuous period of mid-19th century California. Through its tales, the work captures the lives of characters navigating the complexities of societal change, cultural clash, and personal ambition in a land on the brink of transformation due to American interests. The opening of the book introduces an electrifying horse race day in Monterey, depicting a colorful scene filled with excitement and rivalry between Northern Californians and their Southern counterparts. Key figures include Pio Pico, the Governor of the Californias, and Don Vicente de la Vega, a striking guest from Los Angeles whose exotic horses challenge the local favorites. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at the cultural tensions brewing beneath the surface, notably the rising influence of American settlers and the complex social dynamics they disrupt. The beginning sets a compelling stage filled with romance, rivalry, and dreams, foreshadowing the personal and societal conflicts that will resonate throughout this collection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton was an American writer. Many of her novels are set in her home state of California. Her bestselling novel Black Oxen (1923) was made into a silent movie of the same name. In addition to novels, she wrote short stories, essays, and articles for magazines and newspapers on such issues as feminism, politics, and war.