SAN FRANCISCO

An unusual glimpse of one of our most fascinating cities, and a second addition to the Cities Series, this combines historical anecdote, geography and selective guided tours in acknowledgeable, never dull text. First a general look at the city and quick survey of its history, from the first settlement of Yerba Buena to its role as the shipping center in World War II. After a waterfront tour, we penetrate the heart of the city — Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden and other well known attractions. A city of hills, San Francisco's best known are Telegraph, Russian and Nob, each of which tells an unusual story. In the downtown area, one becomes immersed in a mixture of cultures — Chinese, Spanish, French. The character of Montgomery, Street, Market Street, Maiden Lane becomes apparent in these descriptions. The story of the earthquake and fire and how the city rallied to rebuild ends a most insightful tour whose purpose is to reveal the diversified character of San Francisco.