How did a small pueblo founded in 1781 become one of the most influential cities in the world? This comprehensive history traces Los Angeles from the Tongva and Chumash peoples, who lived in the basin for thousands of years, through Spanish, Mexican, and American rule and the booms that transformed it: water, citrus, oil, Hollywood, aviation, the ports, technology, and tourism.

Ideal for students, educators, longtime Angelenos, newcomers, and anyone curious about history.