Title
The King of California: J.G. Boswell and the Making of A Secret American Empire,New
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J.G. Boswell is the biggest farmer in America. Over the past fifty years he has built a secret empire while thumbing his nose at nature, politicians, labor unions and every journalist who ever tried to lift the veil on the ultimate 'factory in the fields.' Now eighty years old, with an almost pathological bent toward privacy, Boswell has spent the past few years confiding one of the great stories of the American West to Mark Arax and Rick Wartzman. The King of California is the previously untold account of how a Georgia slaveowning family migrated to California in the early 1920s,drained one of America 's biggest lakes in an act of incredible hubris and carved out the richest cotton empire in the world. Indeed, the sophistication of Boswell 's agricultural operation from lab to field to gin is unrivaled anywhere.Much more than a business story, this is a sweeping social history that details the saga of cotton growers who were chased from the South by the boll weevil and brought their black farmhands to California. It is a gripping read with cameos by a cast of famous characters, from Cecil B. DeMille to Cesar Chavez.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'The King of California'? A: 'The King of California' explores the life of J.G. Boswell, the largest farmer in America, and the history of his secret empire in agriculture, detailing how his family migrated to California and established a massive cotton operation.
- Q: Who are the authors of the book? A: The book is authored by Mark Arax and Rick Wartzman, who provide insights into J.G. Boswell's life and the agricultural practices in California.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: 'The King of California' has a total of 576 pages, providing an in-depth look at the subject matter.
- Q: What is the binding type of the book? A: The book is available in hardcover binding, which offers durability and a classic presentation.
- Q: What is the publication date of the book? A: 'The King of California' was published on October 20, 2003.
- Q: Is the book suitable for readers interested in American history? A: Yes, the book provides a comprehensive social history of cotton growers in California, making it suitable for those interested in American agricultural history and social dynamics.
- Q: What unique aspects does the book cover about J.G. Boswell? A: The book highlights J.G. Boswell's unprecedented agricultural operations, his family's history, and the socio-economic impacts of their business practices.
- Q: Are there any notable figures mentioned in the book? A: Yes, the book includes mentions of notable figures such as Cecil B. DeMille and Cesar Chavez, providing context to the historical narrative.
- Q: What makes this book different from other agricultural histories? A: This book combines a business narrative with a sweeping social history, showcasing the complexities of J.G. Boswell's empire and its impact on the American West.
- Q: Can you provide a summary of the key features of the book? A: Key features include the rise of J.G. Boswell's secret empire, the migration of a slave-owning family to California, and the resulting social and economic implications of their agricultural practices.