Travel guides are not known or expected to be particularly enthralling reads, while a history of the early days of the city of Los Angeles has the potential to be a bit of a slog. But combine the two and what do you get? In this case, a fun and informative collection of essays, photos, and maps that touches on everything L.A., from its earliest days as a pueblo through the rush of immigrants to surfers and evangelists, film stars and oil barons—and a lot in between. The 24 essays here are short and informative, and the wit and charm of author Roman (Chronicles of Old Las Vegas; Chronicles of Old New York) keeps the reader interested in myriad topics. VERDICT Small and informative, this book will guide with the aid of recommended walking trails, detailed maps, and hundreds of illustrations of old and new Los Angeles. The perfect book to pack in your bag, it will appeal not only to those visiting Southern California for the first time but to those who have resided there all their lives and are curious about their city's history.—Teri Shiel, Univ. of Connecticut Health Ctr. Lib., Farmington