A California field biologist draws on historical ecology and extensive first-hand research to uncover regional history in the Golden State's forgotten landscapes, providing a visual testament to natural-world changes and related opportunities for conservation. ''A California classic.''--Steve Heilig, San Francisco Chronicle ''A natural history masterpiece.''--Matt Kettmann, Santa Barbara Independent ''Cunningham's remarkable work reminds me of the multitalented naturalists of old. This book encompasses extensive historical research, biological fieldwork throughout the state, and, of course, amazing paintings. We are lucky to have her here today, giving us this tantalizing, informative, inspiring glimpse into something we all try to imagine: California before us .''--Robin Grossinger, environmental scientist, San Francisco Estuary Institute ''Laura Cunningham's imaginative tour de force provides a time machine where pre-settlement California can be savored in all her splendor and magnificence. A remarkable vision of the Golden State!''--Graham Chisholm, Executive Director, Audubon California ''Hundreds of Cunningham's detailed, realistic paintings fill this huge coffee-table delight, whose text traces the evolution of a diverse region, once home to half-striped ancient horses and Pleistocene-era cheetahs.'' --Anneli Rufus, ''Envisioners, Explainers and Iconoclasts: The best books of 2010,'' East Bay Express 'Laura Cunningham's imaginative tour de force provides a time machine where pre-settlement California can be savored in all her splendor and magnificence. A remarkable vision of the Golden State!' ---- Graham Chisholm, Executive Director, Audubon California 'Hundreds of Cunningham's detailed, realistic paintings fill this huge coffee-table delight, whose text traces the evolution of a diverse region, once home to half-striped ancient horses and Pleistocene-era cheetahs.' ---- Anneli Rufus, ''Envisioners, Explainers and Iconoclasts: The best books of 2010,'' East Bay Express Laura Cunningham, an artist and naturalist, studied paleontology and biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and has worked at various field biology jobs for the California Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Geological Survey, and others, getting to know such species as the Owens Valley pupfish, southern California steelhead trout, Yosemite toad, and Panamint alligator lizard. Simultaneously, she has been studying and painting California's historic and living wildlife, flora, and unique landscapes. She lives with her husband and pet iguanas on a ranch next to Death Valley National Park, where she cofounded the group Basin and Range Watch to explore the historical ecology of the desert ecosystems of California and Nevada and to protect them. Used Book in Good Condition