A Boom Interview

Abstract

An interview with California’s unofficial state historian, exploring Starr’s rationale for his work, along with his understanding of the nature of California values, and what it means to be a Californian. From here to Starr’s recent book, Continental Ambitions, and the many figures and features that have influenced Starr’s understanding of California, this interview moves forward in Starr’s characteristic polymathic style, covering encyclopedic terrain. Additionally, it explores the role that religion and especially Roman Catholicism have played in California’s narrative, and in Starr’s own understanding of California and its place in the world.