This is a floating closed javascript menu.
Menu

Related Links and Resources
Related Links and Resources


Recommended Reading List/Book Store


In Association with Amazon.comThe following is a list of books that Road Scholars and California Historians may find of interest. I've broken them into rough topical categories. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you opt to purchase the books through this site, you will be helping the operation of the California Highways Web Page. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The symbol "¤" next to a title indicates that I have the book and found it useful.

Note that some of these books are out of print or hard to obtain. If I can identify a source outside of Amazon for such books, it is indicated.

☞ NOTE: This is the only page on the California Highways site that has Amazon Affiliate links.

California Highways

Back Roads to the California Coast: Scenic Back Roads to the California Coast: Scenic Byways and Highways to the Edge of the Golden State by Earl Thollander (Illustrator), Herb McGrew. Sasquatch Books; ISBN: 157061282X; (May 2002)
California Coastal Byways California Coastal Byways: 50 of California's Best Backcountry Drives (Byways) by Tony Huegel. Wilderness Press. ISBN-10: 0899973590. (November 30, 2004)
California's El Camino Real and Its Historic Bells California's El Camino Real and Its Historic Bells by Max Kurillo and Erline M. Tuttle. Sunbelt Publications; ISBN: 0932653375; (November 2000)
The California Gold Country: Highway 49 The California Gold Country: Highway 49 Revisited by Elliot H. Koeppel (Photographer). Malakoff & Co.; ISBN: 093812112X; 2 edition (August 15, 1999)

If this book is out of print, try looking here.

California Highway One Book ¤ California Highway One Book by Rick Adams, Louise M. Adams. Ballantine Books (Trd Pap); ASIN: 0345318552; (October 1985)

Alas, this is likely out of print. A larger format book that is all about Route 1: Its history, its routing, its foibles, its fascinating stories. If you can find a copy, it is a wonderful addition to your library.

California-Nevada Roads Less Traveled California-Nevada Roads Less Traveled: A Discovery Guide to Places Less Crowded by Don W. Martin, Betty Woo Martin. Pine Cone Press; ISBN: 0942053281; (April 1999)
California Why Stop? California Why Stop? A Guide to California Roadside Historical Markers by Marael Johnson. Gulf Publishing; ISBN: 088415923X; (August 1995)
Freeway Alternates Freeway Alternates by David Rizzo. Gem Guides Book Co; ISBN: 0935182454; (October 1990)

The author of the book, Dr. Roadmap, has a web page available at http://www.drroadmap.com/ where he offers freeway-based games, as well as a downloadable update to the book.

The Harvest Gypsies The Harvest Gypsies: On the Road to 'the Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck, Charles Wollenberg (Introduction). Heyday Books; ISBN: 093058838X; (October 1996)
Hidden History of Transportation in Los Angeles Hidden History of Transportation in Los Angeles by Charles P. Hobbs. The History Press. ISBN-10: 1626196710. ISBN-13: 978-1626196711. (November 4, 2014)
Highway 17: The Road to Santa Cruz Highway 17: The Road to Santa Cruz by Richard A. Beal. The Pacific Group; ISBN: 0962997404; (August 1991)
Highway 99: The History of Californa's Main Street Highway 99: The History of California's Main Street by Stephen H. Provost. Craven Street Books.ISBN-10: 1610352963. ISBN-13: 978-1610352963 (September 15, 2017)
Highway 99: A Literary Journey Through Highway 99: A Literary Journey Through California's Great Central Valley by Stan Yogi (Editor). Heyday Books; ISBN: 0930588827; (September 1996)
LA Freeway ¤ L. A. Freeway: An Appreciative Essay by David Brodsly. University of California Press; ASIN: 0520040686; (December 1981).

This is one of the books that got me started on this hobby. A look at LA's freeway system and how it effected the development of Los Angeles, with great maps.

The Old U.S. 80 Highway Traveler's... The Old U.S. 80 Highway Traveler's Guide: Phoenix - San Diego by Eric J. Finley, Kevin Finley (Illustrator), Jon Gabriel (Editor), Jerry Jacka, and Lois Essary Jacka. Narrow Road Communications; ISBN: 0965235807; 1 edition (August 1997)
Los Angeles Before The Freeway Los Angeles Before the Freeways, 1850-1950: Images of an Era by Arnold Hylen. Dawsons Book Shop; ASIN: 0870933124; (June 1981)
One Hundred Years of Progress ¤ One Hundred Years of Progress by Raymond Forsyth, and Joseph Hagwood. California Transit Pubns; ISBN: 0965227901; (June 1, 1996).

This is a great collection of photos of California's Highway development, and includes an excellent chronology of Caltrans.

Pacific Coast Highway: Traveler's Guide Pacific Coast Highway: Traveler's Guide by Tom Snyder. Griffin Trade Paperback; ISBN: 0312263708; (July 2000)
The Red Dirt Path: A Search for Understanding Along California's Historic Route 49 The Red Dirt Path: A Search for Understanding Along California's Historic Highway 49 by Gary Noy. Writers Club Press; ISBN: 0595190715; (July 2001)
Rest Area Review Rest Area Review: California-Nevada by Gerald C. Hammon, Sharon L. Hammon. Bremo Press; ISBN: 0963805819; (October 1995)
[Ridge Route] Ridge Route: The Road That United California by Harrison Irving Scott. Harrison Irving Scott; ISBN: 0615120008 (September 13, 2002).

This book provides a fascinating look into the history of the most outrageous highway construction projects of the 20th century. This little-known highway parallels the route of the present day I-5 near the Grapevine northwest of Los Angeles. The old highway features 627 curves over the course of about 30 miles and is a true historical gem.

The Road Ahead ¤ The Road Ahead: The Automobile Club of Southern California 1900-2000. No ISBN. Available throught the Auto Club of Southern California

This is the history of the ACSC. Great vintage photograph and information on their contribution to Southern California.

Road Trip USA: California and the Southwest Road Trip USA: California and the Southwest by Jamie Jensen. Avalon Travel Publishing; ISBN: 1566911907; 1st edition (July 2000)
The Spriit of the Road Romance of the Highways of California - Unusual and Interesting Facts and Stories About the Golden State by Commander A. W. Scott. Griffin-Patterson - Glendale, California. 1946.

This profusely illustrated book is a wealth of information, presenting unusual and interesting facts and stories about the Golden State - from missions to trails, from mining camps to ghost towns, from Death Valley to the giant redwood forests. This is a delightfully told story of a leisurely jaunt around California, visiting not only the well-known places but making side trips into the backcountry. You explore the hideouts of some of the early bandits and colorful road agents; you unearth many forgotten tales of strange goings on in the Gold Rush days and in more modern times.

Sierra Crossing: First Roads to California Sierra Crossing: First Roads to California by Thomas Frederick Howard. University of California Press; ISBN: 0520206703; (June 30, 1998)
The Spriit of the Road The Spirit of the Road: 100 Years of the California State Automobile Association by Tom Turner, John Sparks. Welcome Enterprises; ISBN: 0941807428; (April 2000)
Survive the Drive Survive the Drive: How to Beat Freeway Traffic in Southern California by David Rizzo. Gem Guides Book Co; ISBN-10: 0977779106.

This book wasn't what I was expecting -- it is a very good analysis of how to avoid the traffic in Southern California by understanding how the traffic works and why it is there, as opposed to just being alternate routes. Highly, highly, recommended.

The Spriit of the Road Touring the Old Redwood Highway: Mendocino County. The book covers the time period from the 1920's to the 1950's and the old auto camps, auto courts, motels, service stations, novelty shops that were along the old road. It also has quite a bit of highway history. There are about 200 photos (mostly postcards) in the book. Hawk Mountaintop Pub (2001). ISBN: 0967216222.
That Ribbon of Highway I : Highway 99 ¤ That Ribbon of Highway I : Highway 99 from the Oregon Border to the State Capital by Jill Livingston and Kathryn Golden Maloof. Living Gold Press; ISBN: 0965137732; (June 1, 2000).

A look at the history of California Highways, in particular, Route 99 between Oregon and Sacramento. Lots of good information on bridges and tracing the original route.

That Ribbon of Highway II ¤ That Ribbon of Highway II: Highway 99 from the State Capital to the Mexican Border by Jill Livingston, and Kathryn G. Maloof (Photographer). Living Gold Press; ISBN: 0965137724; (May 1998)

Route 99 between Sacramento and the Mexican Border. Lots of information on the various routings of the Ridge Route, along with information on tracing original US 99.

[Weekend Driver] Weekend Driver San Diego: Day Drives in and Around San Diego County by Jack Brandais. # Sunbelt Publications; (November 21, 2003) ISBN: 0932653634.

This book contains 20 driving trips around SD county, southern Orange and Riverside counties, and northern Baja. The author includes a few highway history tidbits, including some from the California Highways web sites.

California Regional History/Interest

Americans and the California Dream, 1850-1915 Americans and the California Dream, 1850-1915 by Kevin Starr. Oxford University Press; ISBN: 0195042336; Reprint edition (November 1986
The Best of Only in L.A. ¤ The Best of Only in L.A.: A Chronicle of the Amazing, Amusing and Absurd by Steve Harvey. Los Angeles Times; ASIN: 1883792126; (October 1996)

A collection of Steve Harvey's columns from the LA Times. Amusing.

California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State by David L. Durham. Word Dancer Pr; ISBN: 1884995144; (November 1998)
Curbside L.A. Curbside L.A.: An Offbeat Guide to the City of Angels from the Pages of the Los Angeles Times by Cecilia Rasmussen. Los Angeles Times; ISBN: 1883792134; (October 1996)
California: The Great Exception California: The Great Exception by Carey McWilliams, Lewis H. Lapman. University of California Press; ISBN: 0520218930; (April 1999)
Durham's Place Names of Greater Los Angeles Durham's Place Names of Greater Los Angeles: Includes Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties by David L. Durham. Word Dancer Pr; ISBN: 1884995284; (April 2001)
Durham's Place Names of California's North Sacramento Valley Durham's Place Names of California's North Sacramento Valley: Includes Butte, Glenn, Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties by David L. Durham. Word Dancer Pr; ISBN: 1884995349; (April 2001)
Durham's Place Names of California's South Sacramento Valley Durham's Place Names of California's South Sacramento Valley: Includes Colusa, Sacramento, Sutter, Yuba & Yolo counties by David L. Durham. Word Dancer Pr; ISBN: 1884995365; (April 2001)
Embattled Dreams: California in War and Peace, 1940-1950 Embattled Dreams: California in War and Peace, 1940-1950 (Americans and the California Dream) by Kevin Starr. Oxford University Press; ISBN: 0195124375; (April 2002)
From Railway to Freeway ¤ From Railway to Freeway: The Motor Coach in Southern California by Eli Bail. Interurban Pr; ASIN: 0-916-37461-0; (May 1984)

Probably out of print. Traces the transition of the Pacific Electric from a primarily trolley system to a bus system. Great information on old bus routes.

Los Angeles, an Illustrated History ¤ Golden Road: The Story of California's Spanish Mission Trail by Felix Riesenberg. McGraw-Hill (January 1, 1962) ISBN: 0070527407.

Has some good information on El Camino Real and how it got transformed into US 101.

Great Car Craze: How Southern California Collided With the Automobile in Great Car Craze: How Southern California Collided With the Automobile in the 1920s by Ashleigh Brilliant. Woodbridge Pr Pub; ISBN: 0880071729; 1st Ed. edition (September 1989)
The Great Thirst: Californians and Water-A History The Great Thirst: Californians and Water-A History by Norris, Jr. Hundley. University of California Press; ISBN: 0520224566; Revised edition (May 7, 2001)
Griffith Park: A Centennial Griffith Park: A Centennial History by Mike Eberts. Historical Society of Southern California; ISBN: 0914421190; (January 1996).

This may not be available through Amazon. Another source is the Historical Society of Southern California.

The history of Griffith Park. Includes some interesting notes on how the routing of I-5 in that area was chosen. Hard to find, but it is available in the LA Public Library (I know there is a copy in the Mid-Valley Branch)

[Historic California Names] ¤ Historic California: Its Colorful Names and How It Got Them by Alton Pryor. Stagecoach Publishing; (August 1, 2002). ISBN: 0966005384.

A short summary of the derivation of a number of place names in California.

Historic San Francisco: A Concise History and Guide Historic San Francisco: A Concise History and Guide by Rand Richards. Heritage House Pub; ISBN: 1879367009; (October 1991)
Inventing the Dream: California Through the Progressive Era Inventing the Dream: California Through the Progressive Era by Kevin Starr Oxford University Press; ISBN: 0195042344; Reprint edition (November 1986)
Iron Men & Copper Wires ¤ Iron Men & Copper Wires by Southern California Edison. Interurban Pr; ASIN: 0870460684; (January 1984)

The history of the SCE transmission grid. Lots of historic pictures. Probably out of print.

L.A. Lost & Found L.A. Lost & Found: An Architectural History of Los Angeles (California Architecture and Architects, No 21) by Sam Hall Kaplan, Julius Shulman (Photographer). Hennessey & Ingalls; ISBN: 0940512238; (June 2000)
L.A. Shortcuts: A Guidebook for Drivers Who ¤ L.A. Shortcuts: A Guidebook for Drivers Who Hate to Wait by Brian Roberts, Richard Schwadel. Red Car Pr; ASIN: 0926055003; (May 1989)

Those of us who are Road Scholars of LA usually know the alternate routes, but this book gives some interesting routes for when traffic is bad.

L. A. Unconventional L. A. Unconventional: The Men & Women Who Did L. A. Their Way by Cecilia Rasmussen, Cecilia Rasmusse. Los Angeles Times; ISBN: 1883792231; (October 1998)
Late Great Days... ¤ Last Days of the Late, Great State of California by Curt Gentry Comstock Book Distributors; ASIN: 089174021X; (June 1977)

A wonderful look at California in the 1960s, and the social and campaign impacts of Pat Brown and Ronald Reagan.

Los Angeles: An Architectural Guide Los Angeles: An Architectural Guide by David Gebhard, Robert Milton Winter. Gibbs Smith Publisher; ISBN: 0879056274; (July 1994)
Los Angeles and the Automobile: The Making of the Modern City ¤ Los Angeles and the Automobile: The Making of the Modern City by Scott L. Bottles. University of California Press; ISBN: 0520073959; Reprint edition (June 1991)

Explores the impact of the automobile on the development of Los Angeles. I haven't read this in a while.

Los Angeles, an Illustrated History ¤ Los Angeles, an Illustrated History by Bruce Henstell. Knopf; ASIN: 0394509412; (November 1980)

Another great collection of historic photos of Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles River: Its Life, Death, and Possible Rebirth The Los Angeles River: Its Life, Death, and Possible Rebirth (Creating the North American Landscape) by Blake Gumprecht. Johns Hopkins Univ Pr; ISBN: 0801860474; (June 1999)
Los Angeles Then and Now ¤ Los Angeles Then and Now by Rosemary Lord. Thunder Bay Press; ISBN: 1571457941; (July 2002)

A collection of historic photographs, contrasted with equivalent photographs taken today.

Magnetic Los Angeles: Planning the Twentieth-Century Metropolis ¤ Magnetic Los Angeles: Planning the Twentieth-Century Metropolis (Creating the North American Landscape) by Greg Hise. Johns Hopkins Univ Pr; ISBN: 0801862558; (September 1999)

A look at urban planning, in particular, the construction of planned communities. Includes information on the development of Leimert Park, Westechester, and Panorama City.

Main St. to Malibu ¤ Main St. to Malibu: Yesterday & Today by F. Basten. Graphics Pr; ASIN: 0937536008; (October 1980)

Probably out of print. A collection of vintage photographs of Los Angeles, which are compared with contemporary photographs taken from the same location.

Material Dreams: Southern California Through the 1920's Material Dreams: Southern California Through the 1920's by Kevin Starr Oxford Univ Pr on Demand; ISBN: 019507260X; Reprint edition (October 1991)
Metropolis in the Making: Los Angeles in the 1920s ¤ Metropolis in the Making: Los Angeles in the 1920s by Tom Sitton (Editor), William Francis Deverell (Editor). University of California Press; ISBN: 0520226275; (August 6, 2001)

I just picked this up at the bookstore at the Gene Autry Museum. It has a nice chapter on the construction of Mulholland Highway, as well as a chapter on the construction of Forest Lawn.

The Missions of California The Missions of California by Melba Levick, Stanley Young, Sally B. Woodbridge. Chronicle Books; ISBN: 0811819388; Rev update edition (June 1998)
The Mojave: A Portrait of the Definitive American Desert The Mojave: A Portrait of the Definitive American Desert by David Darlington. Henry Holt (Paper); ISBN: 0805055940; Reprint edition (November 1997)
Murrieta - Old Town, New Town ¤ Murrieta - Old Town, New Town: A Community History by Mary Alice Rail Boyce. Rosemar Pub; ASIN: 0964863405; (October 1995)

The history of Murrieta, including the history of Murrieta Hot Springs (which I remember visiting as a boy). Murrieta was on old US 395.

Overland: The California Emigrant Trail of 1841-1870 Overland: The California Emigrant Trail of 1841-1870 by Greg MacGregor, and Walter Truett Anderson (Introduction). University of New Mexico Press; ASIN: 0826317049; (June 1996)
Pacific Electric and the Growth of the San Fernando Valley ¤ Pacific Electric and the Growth of the San Fernando Valley by David Coscia. Shade Tree Books, Bellflower, CA; ISBN-10: 1578647355; (December 2011)

Los Angeles, an Illustrated History Redlands Astride The Freeway (The Development of Good Automobile Roads) by Frank Ensoc Moor. Moore Historical Foundation. ISBN 0-914167-07-3. 1995. (Out of Print)
The Reluctant Metropolis: The Politics of Urban Growth in Los Angeles The Reluctant Metropolis: The Politics of Urban Growth in Los Angeles by William B. Fulton. Johns Hopkins Univ Pr; ISBN: 0801865069; Reprint edition (August 2001)
Rivers in the Desert Rivers in the Desert by Margaret Leslie Davis, Kevin Starr. Olmstead Press; ISBN: 1587541076; (May 1, 2001)
San Francisco Then & Now San Francisco Then and Now by Bill Yenne. Thunder Bay Press; ISBN: 1571451560; (October 1998)
[San Fernando Valley: Then and Now] ¤ San Fernando Valley: Then and Now by Jake Klein. Gibbs Smith (September 2003). ISBN: 1586852299

A nice collection of old and new pictures of the valley. Includes one photo of early US 101.

The San Fernando Valley: America's Suburb ¤ The San Fernando Valley: America's Suburb by Kevin Roderick. Los Angeles Times; ISBN: 188379255X; (August 1, 2001)

A nice summary of the history of the San Fernando Valley. Includes some information on early Sepulveda Bl and Sherman Way, and some nice pictures of freeways under construction.

Santa Monica Bay: The First 100 Years ¤ Santa Monica Bay: The First 100 Years by Fred E. Basten. Douglas West Publishers; ASIN: 0913264172; (November 1974)

The history of Santa Monica, with lots of Historic Photographs.

Santa Monica Bay: Paradise by the Sea Santa Monica Bay: Paradise by the Sea: A Pictorial History of Santa Monica, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Ocean Part, Pacific Palisades, Topanga & Malibu by Fred E. Basten, Carolyn See (Introduction). Hennessey & Ingalls; ISBN: 0940512300; (May 2001)
Southern California An Island on the Land ¤ Southern California: An Island on the Land by Carey McWilliams. Gibbs Smith Publisher; ISBN: 0879050071; 9th edition (August 1994)

A classic book on the unique entity that is Southern California

Southern California in the '50s ¤ Southern California in the '50s: Sun, Fun and Fantasy by Charles Phoenix. Angel City Pr; ; 1st edition (September 2001). ISBN 1883318491

A visual story of Los Angeles in its innocent days, the 50ths, when even the swimming pools had fins, and Googie architecture was everywhere. Remember the toasters at Ships?

Street Railways and the Growth of Los ¤ Street Railways and the Growth of Los Angeles: Horse, Cable, Electric Lines by Robert C. Post. Golden West Books; ASIN: 0870951041; (November 1989)

Explores how the development of street railroads affected the development of the city of Los Angeles

Sunshine and Wealth: Los Angeles in the ¤ Sunshine and Wealth: Los Angeles in the Twenties and the Thirties by Bruce Henstell. Chronicle Books; ASIN: 087701275X; (October 1984)

Explores the image of Los Angeles as presented through Orange Crate labels.

Water and the Shaping of California Water and the Shaping of California: A Literary, Political, and Technological Perspective on the Power of Water by Sue McClurg, Kevin Starr. Heyday Books; ISBN: 1890771333; 1st edition (July 2000)
The Water Seekers The Water Seekers by Remi A. Nadeau. Crest Pub; ISBN: 0962710458; 4th edition (July 1997)
Where The Road Begins Where the Road Begins: The Saga of Big Sur's Pioneer Families by Peter Gray Scott. Central Coast Books; ISBN: 0615451470; 1st edition (March 3, 2011)

A summary of the development of Big Sur. You can find a review here.

William Mulholland and the Rise of Los Angeles ¤ William Mulholland and the Rise of Los Angeles by Catherine Mulholland. University of California Press; ISBN: 0520217241; (August 22, 2000)

I recently picked up a copy of this, and it was a wonderful read. It gives one a tremendous insight into the home-grown engineering skill of Mr. Mulholland, as well as the political battles involved in creating the 1st Los Angeles Aqueduct. It also blows apart the conspiracy theory about the Owens Valley. I also like the quote of Mulholland: "I can deal with the shit; it's the farts that wear me down".

National Highways

The American Highway: The History and Culture of Roads in the United The American Highway: The History and Culture of Roads in the United States by William Kaszynski. McFarland & Company; ISBN: 0786408227; (November 2000)
America's Highways America's Highways by A&E Video. NTSC format (US and Canada only). ASIN: B000006QAC By A&E Home Video (1999).

From The History Channel 's award-winning "Modern Marvels" series, this program tells profiles the development of the Interstate highway system from its beginnings.

America's Highways: Accelerating the Search America's Highways: Accelerating the Search for Innovation by National Academy Press. National Academy Press; ISBN: 0309036569; Photo-copy edition (June 1984)
[America's Highways] America's Highways: 1776-1976. Published by the Federal Highway Administration for the Bicentennial. You can see the pictures from the book by clicking here. If you would like to order a copy, call 301-577-0818, fax your order to 301-577-1421, or email report.center@fhwa.dot.gov
The Best Investment a Nation Ever Made The Best Investment a Nation Ever Made: A Tribute to the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate & Defense Highways by Wendell Cox, Jean Love. DIANE Publishing Co; ISBN: 0788141864; (May 1998)
[The Big Roads] The Big Roads: The Untold Story of the Engineers, Visionaries, and Trailblazers Who Created the American Superhighways by Earl Swift. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; ISBN: 0618812415; (June 2011)
Divided Highways: Building the Interstate Highways, Transforming American Divided Highways: Building the Interstate Highways, Transforming American Life by Tom Lewis. Viking Press; ASIN: 067086627X; (October 1997)
First Highways of America/a Pictorial History of American Roads First Highways of America/a Pictorial History of American Roads and Highways from 1900-1925 by John L. Butler. Motorbooks International; ISBN: 087341280X; (May 1994)
Highway 50: Ain't That America Highway 50: Ain't That America by Jim Lilliefors. Fulcrum Pub; ISBN: 1555910734; (April 1993)
Highway 50: Ain't That America ¤ Houston Freeways: A Historical and Visual Journey by Eric Slotboom. www.houstonfreeways.com, ISBN 0-974160539. (October 2003) . Note that this is now out of print... but Eric makes it available for download from his website.

An enriching and telling account of the development of transportation corridors in Harris County. This book charts the advancement of transportation issues in the greater Houston area and establishes a foundation upon which future progress can be made. Includes a comparison of the development of the Houston Freeway system with the Los Angeles Freeway system.

Interstate: Express Highway Politics, Interstate: Express Highway Politics, 1939-1989 by Mark H. Rose. Univ of Tennessee Pr; ISBN: 0870496719; Revised edition (October 1990)
The Interstate Highway System The Interstate Highway System by Henry Moon. Assn of Amer Geographers; ISBN: 0892912154; (June 1995)
The Lincoln Highway: Main Street across America The Lincoln Highway: Main Street across America by Drake Hokanson. University of Iowa Press; ISBN: 0877456763; 10th anniv edition (May 1999)
Link Across America: A Story of the Historic Link Across America: A Story of the Historic Lincoln Highway by Mary Elizabeth Anderson, Randall F. Ray (Illustrator). Rayve Productions; ISBN: 1877810975; (April 1997)
Lonely Is The Road - U.S. 50: A Journey Across Lonely Is The Road - U.S. 50: A Journey Across The Heartland by Wendell Trogdon, Fabian Trogdon (Photographer), Gary Varvel (Illustrator). Backroads Press; ISBN: 0964237180; (April 15, 2001)
MUTCD 2000 MUTCD 2000, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices(Millennium Edition) w/ 6/14/01 Errata and (Side by Side Comparison to 1998 edition) by Federal Highway Administration. CD-ROM:. Claitor's Publishing Division; ISBN: 157980778X; (June 2001)
The National Road (The Road and American Culture) The National Road (The Road and American Culture) by Karl B. Raitz (Editor), George F. Thompson (Editor), Gyula Pauer (Illustrator). Johns Hopkins Univ Pr; ISBN: 0801851556; (August 1996)
The Next Exit: USA Interstate Highway Exit Directory The Next Exit: USA Interstate Highway Exit Directory. Next Exit; ISBN: 0963010395; 10 Ed edition (February 2001)
Route 66: An American Odyssey Route 66: An American Odyssey. NTSC format (US and Canada only) Color, Full length. ASIN: 1888617020
Route 66: The Highway and Its People ¤ Route 66: The Highway and Its People by Susan Croce Kelly, Quinta Scott (Photographer). Univ of Oklahoma Pr (Trd); ASIN: 0806122919; Reprint edition (September 1990)

A history of the development of Route 66, including maps and a photographic essay.

Route 66: The Mother Road ¤ Route 66: The Mother Road by Michael Wallis.St. Martin's Press; ISBN: 0312281676; 75th Annv edition (June 2001)

Another history of Route 66, with maps and photos.

Route 66: A Nostalgic Ride Down America's Mother Road from Chicago to L.A. Route 66: A Nostalgic Ride Down America's Mother Road from Chicago to L.A. (1997). NTSC format (US and Canada only). ASIN: 156127755X
Route 66 Remembered Route 66 Remembered by Michael Karl Witzel. Motorbooks International; ISBN: 076030114X; (April 1996)
Route 66 Revisited Route 66 Revisited. NTSC format (US and Canada only). Color. ASIN: B00005UOT1
Route 66: Special Collector's Series Route 66: Special Collector's Series. NTSC format (US and Canada only). Box set. ASIN: 6304685440
Tour Route 66 in California Tour Route 66 in California. NTSC format (US and Canada only). Color, Director's Cut, Full Screen. ASIN: 192995414X
Tour Route 66 in California U.S. 66: Bones of the Old Road. NTSC format (US and Canada only). Color, DTS Surround Sound, Full Screen. ASIN: 0967748100
You Can Get There From Here You Can Get There from Here: How the Interstate Highways Transformed America by Martin D. Hanlon. St. Martin's Press; ISBN: 0312129092; (August 2002) (no graphic)

Of Interest to Road Scholars

Asphalt Nation Asphalt Nation: How the Automobile Took over America, and How We Can Take It Back by Jane Holtz Kay. University of California Press; ISBN: 0520216202; Reprint edition (November 1998).

This book is of interest because it contains a discussion of the cultural mores that helped create America's current car glut--namely, our attitudes toward land use and growth management. The change in these attitudes can be seen quite readily in the different manner highways are routed between the 1950s/1960s growth period vs. growth in the 21st century with EIRs and community input.

Beneficial Effects... Beneficial effects associated with freeway construction--environmental, social, and economic by Hays Bentley Gamble Transportation Research Board, National Research Council; ASIN: 0309028523;
Breaking Gridlock: Moving Toward Transportation That Works Breaking Gridlock: Moving Toward Transportation That Works by Jim Motavalli. University of California Press; ISBN: 1578050391; (December 11, 2001)
Design of Modern Concrete Highway Bridges Design of Modern Concrete Highway Bridges by Conrad P. Heins, Richard A. Lawrie. Krieger Publishing Company; ISBN: 0894647601; reprint edition (August 1992)
Engineers of Dreams: Great Bridge Builders and the Spanning of America Engineers of Dreams: Great Bridge Builders and the Spanning of America by Henry Petroski, Edward Kastenmeier (Editor). Vintage Books; ISBN: 0679760210; Reprint edition (November 1996)
Evaluation of Safety Roadside Rest Areas Evaluation of Safety Roadside Rest Areas by G. F. King. Treetop Pub; ISBN: 0309046211; (February 1989)
The Freeway in the City: Principles of Planning and The Freeway in the City: Principles of Planning and Design by Lowell K. Bridwell. Books for Business; ISBN: 0894990829; (August 2001)
Hitting the Road: The Art of the American Road Map Hitting the Road: The Art of the American Road Map by Douglas A., Jr Yorke, John Margolies (Contributor). Chronicle Books; ISBN: 0811810151; (May 1996)
The Next American Metropolis The Next American Metropolis: Ecology, Community, and the American Dream by Peter Calthorpe. Princeton Architectural Press; ISBN: 1878271687; (June 1993).

Based on descriptions, this book explores urban planning to deemphasize the automobile. Why would a road scholar be interested in this? Because planned urban growth will take many approaches, and one must understand these to build effective highways in the future.

Onramps and Overpasses Onramps and Overpasses: A Cultural History of Interstate Travel by Dianne Perrier. University Press of Florida; First edition (November 15, 2009). ISBN 0813033985
Pictures of Highway Shields Pictures of Highway Shields: Nevada! (Great Basin Edition) by Carl Rogers. Lulu Publishing. 77 pages, 8.5" x 11.0", coil binding, full-color interior ISBN: 411665783

Provides a look at Great Basin highways, its highway-signage standards and surrounding scenery. A comprehensive index outlines where and which highways you should take to reach your destination. Includes views of Washington County, Utah.

Las Vegas History

A Short History of Las Vegas ¤ A Short History of Las Vegas by Barbara Land, Myrick Land, Guy Louis Rocha. Univ of Nevada Pr; ISBN: 0874173264; (June 1999)

A mostly textual history of Las Vegas.

The Black Book and the Mob: The Untold Story The Black Book and the Mob: The Untold Story of the Control of Nevada's Casinos by Ronald A. Farrell, Carole Case (Contributor). Univ of Wisconsin Pr; ISBN: 0299147541; (September 1, 1995)
Beneficial Effects... Big Julie of Vegas by Edward Linn. Walker & Co (November 1974). ISBN 0802704670.

Julius Weintrab was a vice president of the Dunes and had connections with several other Vegas hotels. His specialty was organizing and personally conducting the junkets that brought in high rollers from the East Coast. This is his story and theirs, along with a variety of other characters that added a colorful element to Las Vegas in the 1960's and 70's.

Compass American Guides: Las Vegas ¤ Compass American Guides: Las Vegas by Deke Castleman, Michael Yamashita (Photographer), Barry Parr (Editor). Fodors Travel Pubns; ISBN: 0676901387; 7th edition (August 2001)

Actually, I have the 2nd edition. Although this is a travel book, it contains quite a bit of good history and pictures on Las Vegas. He does get a few facts wrong in the edition that I have; hopefully these are corrected in a later edition.

Fabulous Las Vegas in the 50s: Glitz, Glamour ¤ Fabulous Las Vegas in the 50s: Glitz, Glamour & Games by Fred E. Basten, Charles Phoenix. Angel City Pr; ISBN: 188331805X; (October 1999)

I recently picked up a copy of this book. There are a few errors in the text (as usual, they forget to mention the original builder of the Flamingo), but lots of great pictures, so it was worth the price.

Fly on the Wall: Recollections of Las Vegas' Fly on the Wall: Recollections of Las Vegas' Good Old, Bad Old Days by Dick Odessky. Huntington Press; ISBN: 0929712625; (June 2000)

For several decades the author worked first as a Las Vegas newspaper reporter and then as a public relations executive at the Flamingo, Four Queens, and Stardust Hotels. In this book he describes with first-hand insight the events and personalities that shaped Las Vegas during some of its most glamorous and eventful years.

Green Felt Jungle Green Felt Jungle by Ed Reid, Ovid Demaris (Contributor). Buccaneer Books; ISBN: 089966783X; (December 1991)
[Lady Las Vegas] ¤ Lady Las Vegas: The Inside Story Behind America's Neon Oasis by Susan Berman. TV Books Inc; ISBN: 1575000202. (1996).

An interesting story of the early days of Las Vegas, told by the daughter of one of the founders. Numerous inaccuracies in the identifications of the photos, but that can be attributed to a child's memory. Interesting reading.

Las Vegas (Architecture Guides Series) Las Vegas (Architecture Guides Series) by Johathan Moberly, John Chase (Editor), Frances Anderson, Jonathan Moberly (Editor), Tom Neville (Editor). Konemann; ISBN: 3895086398; (October 1998)
Las Vegas: The Great American Playground ¤ Las Vegas: The Great American Playground by Robert D. McCracken. Univ of Nevada Pr; ISBN: 0874173019; Expanded edition (August 1997)

One of my favorite books on Vegas. Lots of history and lots of pictures.

Learning from Las Vegas - Revised Edition: Learning from Las Vegas - Revised Edition: The Forgotten Symbolism of Architectural Form by Robert Venturi, Steven Izenour, Denise Scott Brown. MIT Press; ISBN: 026272006X; Revised edition (June 15, 1977)
The Man Who Invented Las Vegas The Man Who Invented Las Vegas by W. R., III Wilkerson, W. R. Wilkerson III. Ciro's Books; ISBN: 0967664306; (January 1, 2000)
The Money and the Power: The Making of Las The Money and the Power: The Making of Las Vegas and Its Hold on America by Sally Denton, Roger Morris. Knopf; ISBN: 037540130X; (April 3, 2001)
The Players: The Men Who Made Las Vegas The Players: The Men Who Made Las Vegas by Jack Sheehan (Editor). Univ of Nevada Pr; ISBN: 087417306X; (November 1997)
The Real Las Vegas - The Complete Story The Real Las Vegas - The Complete Story. A&E Video. NTSC format. Color, Box set, NTSC. 4 tapes. ASIN (VHS): B00005MKOE; (DVD): B00005MKOF
Viva Las Vegas: After Hours Architecture ¤ Viva Las Vegas: After Hours Architecture by Alan Hess, Denise Scott Brown, Robert Venturi. Chronicle Books; ISBN: 081180111X; (September 1993)

A look at the roadside architecture that is Las Vegas. Many photos, although a lot are postcards. Good focus on the relationship between buildings and signs. Includes information on where to find "old vegas", although alas, quite a few sites listed are now gone.

Highways Related

The American Diner The American Diner by Michael Karl Witzel. Motorbooks International; ISBN: 0760301107; (April 1999)
The American Gas Station ¤ The American Gas Station by Michael Karl Witzel. Motorbooks International; ISBN: 0760306494; (October 1998)

Gives a history of the development of the Gas Station, including unique identifying styles.

The American Motel The American Motel by Michael Karl Witzel. Motorbooks International; ISBN: 0760301018; (August 2000)
Americans on the Road: From Autocamp to Motel, 1910-1945 Americans on the Road: From Autocamp to Motel, 1910-1945 by Warren James Belasco. Johns Hopkins Univ Pr; ISBN: 0801857341; Reprint edition (November 1997)
Burma-Shave: The Rhymes, the Signs, the Burma-Shave: The Rhymes, the Signs, the Times by Bill Vossler. North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc.; ISBN: 0878391223; (February 1998)
California Crazy and Beyond: Roadside ¤ California Crazy and Beyond: Roadside Vernacular Architecture by Jim Heimann. Chronicle Books; ISBN: 0811830187; New edition (June 2001)

Looks at a special type of architecture that developed in the 1940s and 1950s, where buildings were shaped to resemble what they were advertising. From the Giant Orange to the Giant Donut, many of these are still around today.

Disneyland: Inside Story ¤ Disneyland: Inside Story by Randy Bright. Harry N Abrams; ASIN: 0810908115; (October 1987)

Possibly out of print; I picked mine up at Disneyland. Gives the history of Disneyland, including how the original site was chosen, and some of the early planned sites near Griffith Park.

Eccentric America Eccentric America: The Bradt Guide to All That's Weird and Wacky in the USA by Jan Friedman, Janet Friedman. Bradt Pubns; ISBN: 1841620238; 1 edition (September 1, 2001)
Fun Along the Road: American Tourist Attractions Fun Along the Road: American Tourist Attractions by John Margolies. Little Brown & Company; ISBN: 0821223518; (June 1998)
Gas Stations Coast to Coast Gas Stations Coast to Coast by Michael Karl Witzel. Motorbooks International; ISBN: 0760307407; (November 2000)
Highway Hangout: Celebrating America's Roadside Highway Hangout: Celebrating America's Roadside Attractions. NTSC format (US and Canada only). Color. ASIN: B000006QXH
More Mouse Tales: A Closer Peek Backstage at More Mouse Tales: A Closer Peek Backstage at Disneyland by David Koenig (Preface), Van Arsdale France. Bonaventure Pr; ISBN: 0964060574; (August 1999)
Motels: American Retro Motels: American Retro by Alison Moss (Editor). Sourcebooks Trade; ISBN: 1570715955; (October 2000)
Mouse Tales: A Behind-The-Ears Look at ¤ Mouse Tales: A Behind-The-Ears Look at Disneyland by David Koenig, Art Linkletter (Foreword). Bonaventure Pr; ISBN: 0964060566; Reprint edition (July 1995)

What goes on behind the facade of Disneyland. Interesting stories.

The New Roadside America: The Modern Traveler's Guide to the Wild and The New Roadside America: The Modern Traveler's Guide to the Wild and Wonderful America's Tourist Attractions by Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. Fireside; ISBN: 0671769316; Revised edition (June 1992)
Oil Company Signs: A Collector's Guide Oil Company Signs: A Collector's Guide by Scott Benjamin, Wayne Henderson (Contributor). Motorbooks International; ISBN: 0760300739; (December 1995)
Roadside Memories: A Collection of Vintage Gas Station Photographs Roadside Memories: A Collection of Vintage Gas Station Photographs (Schiffer Book for Collectors & Historians) by Todd P. Helms, and Chip Flohe. Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.; ISBN: 0764302787; (August 1997)
Standard Oil: The First 125 Years Standard Oil: The First 125 Years by Wayne Henderson (Contributor), Scott Benjamin. Motorbooks International; ISBN: 0760300860; (June 1996)
More Highway Hangouts Time Machine:More Highway Hangouts. VHS. Color, NTSC. ASIN: B0000687HR
[The Vanishing Automobile] The Vanishing Automobile and Other Urban Myths: How Smart Growth Will Harm American Cities by Randal O'Toole. The Thoreau Institute. 545 pages. Not available through Amazon; you have to order it through the Thoreau Institute.

Recommended by Don Hagstrom. This book helps people understand and respond to so-called smart-growth plans that threaten to increase urban congestion, housing prices, and taxes while reducing urban open space.

The Verse by the Side of the Road: The Story ¤ The Verse by the Side of the Road: The Story of the Burma-Shave Signs and Jingles by Frank Rowsome Jr.. New American Library Trade; ISBN: 0452267625; Reissue edition (October 1990)

The history of the Burma-Shave sign, including the text for all the signs.

Where Have You Gone, Starlight Cafe? Where Have You Gone, Starlight Cafe?: America's Golden Era Roadside Restaurants by Will Anderson. Anderson & Sons Pub Co; ISBN: 0960105697; (August 1998)

<-Current California Highway-Related Legislation -> Caltrans Resources

© 1996-2020 Daniel P. Faigin.
Maintained by: Daniel P. Faigin <webmaster@cahighways.org>.