In San Francisco, a city famous for its eccentrics, the most celebrated of all was Joshua Norton who, in 1859, declared himself Emperor of the United States. One of the original '49ers, Norton made and lost a fortune (and a good portion of his reason) during those rough and ready first years of the "instant" city that grew out of the sand dunes of Yerba Buena. John Cech's novel recreates those dizzying days of the Gold Rush and its aftermath, when dreams of sudden riches could quickly become nightmares, and survival ...
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In San Francisco, a city famous for its eccentrics, the most celebrated of all was Joshua Norton who, in 1859, declared himself Emperor of the United States. One of the original '49ers, Norton made and lost a fortune (and a good portion of his reason) during those rough and ready first years of the "instant" city that grew out of the sand dunes of Yerba Buena. John Cech's novel recreates those dizzying days of the Gold Rush and its aftermath, when dreams of sudden riches could quickly become nightmares, and survival depended on the kindness of strangers and the persistence of the imagination. It does, finally, what Mark Twain urged someone to do for his friend the Emperor over a century ago - "write him up." Along the way, Cech tells the story not only of Emperor Norton but also of that Whitman-like catalogue of dreamers - merchants and mechanics, bandits and blacksmiths, clerks and clairvoyants, artists and inventors - who found themselves rushing for the promise of California.
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Add this copy of A Rush of Dreamers: Being the Remarkable Story of to cart. $8.00, very good condition, Sold by ZENO'S rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from San Francisco, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Marlowe & Company.
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Seller's Description:
New York. 1997. Marlowe. 1st Edition. Very Good in Dustjacket. 1569247757. 215 pages. hardcover. keywords: San Francisco Literature History. FROM THE PUBLISHER-This delightful fictional account brings to life one of the most colorful eccentrics in America's history-Based on the true story of San Franciscan Joshua Norton, who proclaimed himself Emperor of the United States in 1859 and ruled until his death in 1880 For over a century, Joshua Norton has been one of America's most celebrated eccentrics. Lured to San Francisco in 1849 by the easy money to be made in the Gold Rush, Norton made a fortune as a merchant and real estate speculator, lost it all on a wild scheme to corner the California rice market, disappeared for several years, and then reemerged in 1859, declaring himself Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. Norton took his responsibilities seriously, inspecting construction sites, checking up on bus timetables, issuing currency (bearing his picture of course), and keeping in touch with the life of the city. The people of San Francisco adored him. They treated him to free lunches and drinks wherever he went and paid to replace his wardrobe-a mixed bag of army and navy uniforms, outlandish hats, and elaborate walking sticks-whenever needed. When he died in 1880, Norton's funeral was attended by 10, 000 loyal subjects. This lively novel resurrects him once again for history and literary buffs: Norton I, neighbor to Mark Twain, real or imaginary confidant to the likes of President Lincoln, Russia's Czar, and many others. It also recreates the violent, chaotic world of the Gold Rush and the mud-filled streets of the 'instant city' of San Francisco. inventory #24768.
Add this copy of A Rush of Dreamers: Being the Remarkable Story of to cart. $8.95, very good condition, Sold by BookHouse On-Line rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Minneapolis, MN, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Marlowe & Company.
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Very Good. Very Good Dust Jacket. Hardcover with dust jacket in very good condition. Binding is tight and sturdy, boards and text also very good. Top edge has foxing. DJ also very good. Stated first edition, but no number line present.
Add this copy of A Rush of Dreamers: Being the Remarkable Story of to cart. $9.44, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Marlowe & Company.
Add this copy of A Rush of Dreamers: Being the Remarkable Story of to cart. $11.35, very good condition, Sold by Books From California rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Simi Valley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Marlowe & Company.
Add this copy of A Rush of Dreamers: Being the Remarkable Story of to cart. $11.95, like new condition, Sold by Old Book Shop of Bordentown rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Bordentown, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Marlowe & Company.
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Seller's Description:
As new in dust jacket. First edition. Hardcover. viii+ 215 pp. Novelized recreation of the life of Joshua Norton, an original '49er and resident of San Francisco who in 1859 declared himself Emperor Of The United States and Protector Of Mexico. Until his death in 1880, the eccentric Norton "presided" over public life in San Francisco, attendings functions dressed in his uniform and plumed hat. He eventally became one of the city's most publicized attractions.
Add this copy of A Rush of Dreamers: Being the Remarkable Story of to cart. $18.95, like new condition, Sold by King Crab Books LLC rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Saint Paul, MN, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Marlowe & Company.
Add this copy of A Rush of Dreamers: Being the Remarkable Story of to cart. $27.00, like new condition, Sold by Robinson Street Books rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Binghamton, NY, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Marlowe & Company.
Add this copy of A Rush of Dreamers: Being the Remarkable Story of to cart. $37.66, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Marlowe & Co.
Add this copy of A Rush of Dreamers: Being the Remarkable Story of to cart. $97.58, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Marlowe & Co.
