The Journal of San Diego History
Summer 1993, Volume 39, Number 3
Contents of This Issue

Book Review
Richard Griswold del Castillo, Book Review Editor

San Diego: Gateway to the Pacific: A Christopher Columbus Quincentennial Commemorative.

Iris H. W. Engstrand. San Diego: Pioneer Publications, Inc., 1992. 114 pages.

This attractive, full-color book celebrates the history of San Diego by presenting a historical and contemporary overview of the region. It is a well-written survey that presents lots of information on the geography and history of the region. A first time visitor, or just a local resident who wants to know more about the history of the region, will enjoy reading this book. It is very thorough with discussion of the local indigenous population, the Spanish colonial cultural heritage, the Mexican and American eras. The book's last chapter brings us up to 1992 with discussions of major cultural and economic changes as well as the internationalization of San Diego's commerce and cultural life. The final portion of the book has brief contemporary profiles of the most important commercial, industrial, and cultural landmarks in San Diego.