Thrown Among Strangers: The Making of Mexican Culture in Frontier California

by Douglas Monroy

Book Overview

Every California schoolchild's first interaction with history begins with the missions and Indians. It is the pastoralist image, of course, and it is a lasting one. Children in elementary school hear how Father Serra and the priests brought civilization to the groveling, lizard- and acorn-eating Indians of such communities as Yang-na, now Los Angeles. So edified by history, many of those children drag their parents to as many missions as they can...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520082753
• ISBN13: 9780520082755
• Release Date: May 1993
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A thourough analysis of the founding of California

In light of the divisive politics in California during the 1990s, it is a clear dose of reality to read Douglas Monroy's Thrown Among Strangers. I read this for a history of Los Angeles class at UCLA, and I can't recommend it enough. For anyone who wants to learn about the early history of Los Angeles and how far back the racial politics and injustice of California go back, look no further. This isn't light reading, however. Monroy writes from historical, anthropological, psychological, and cultural perspectives on the conquering of California--first by Spanish missionaries, then Mexican and American rancheros, and finally, the businessman. Victims to all of these are the native Indians of California, who Monroy lends a voice to and remembers. Monroy is angry, and you will be too after finishing this book.