Amazon.com description: Product Description: Originally published 1845, this is one of the most collectible books about California and the Westward movement. The book is rich with practical information about how to go and what to bring, but it is even richer in describing the sights to be seen along the way. The book was an important reason why many pioneers chose California as a destination. It was also the guidebook used by the Donner Party on their fateful journey! Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Pierides Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.