CO-OPERATIVE DREAMS
A History of the Kaweah Colony
by
Jay O'Connell
Co-Operative Dreams: A History of the Kaweah Colony (1999) is currently out of print.
"O'Connell's book is the first full-length study of this important late 19th-century California utopia. [He] has impressively pieced together the Kaweah story, and he excels at describing what became of ex-colonists. By using a plethora of local history sources, including heretofore unpublished works, he has been able to present the human side of this cooperative venture" Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries
"The story of Kaweah is excellently told in this book, which I would assume will be the definitive statement of Kaweah history" John Sill, Utopian Studies click on to read entire review
| From the back cover The story of the of the Kaweah Co-Operative Colony had, according to Carey McWilliams, a tragic significance. It is also a story that, until now, has remained largely untold. Co-Operative Dreams finally presents this colorful and fascinating chapter of California history with the depth and detail it deserves. A story of utopian ambitions and pioneering spirit...of passionate personalities and political intrigue...of a dream’s demise and a giant forest preserved...Co-Operative Dreams is not only a story about an 1880s Socialist utopian experiment in the Sierra Nevada, but tells of the establishment of California’s first national park and the surprising, ironic forces behind Sequoia’s creation. Finally, Co-Operative Dreams is a story of incredible human spirit and character, highlighting two of California history’s most fascinating personalities: the erratic genius Burnette Haskell and Annie Haskell, his remarkable and unforgettable wife. Excerpts from Reviews of Co-Operative Dreams Author Jay O'Connell weaves an engaging tale. The book, the product of considerable research and good writing, is not an academic treatise and will appeal primarily to general readers who like good stories about California and western history. It offers insights into the interesting and sometimes tragic lives of the men and women who struggled, and in some cases died, trying to build a successful colony...Co-Operative Dreams deserves praise for the overall high quality. California History, quarterly of the California Historical Society "One of the more intriguing utopian community experiments in California history...[The Kaweah Colony's] history (and demise) was related to the creation of Sequoia National Park and the preservation of the giant trees in its forest. It's a colorful story told well by author O'Connell."Sacramento Bee |
