description Kevin Starr Overview
Kevin Starr (1940-2017) was an American historian, writer, and California State Librarian. He is best known for Americans and the California Dream, a multi-volume history of California's cultural, social, economic, and political development. Starr also wrote about the state's cities, institutions, literature, and changing public identity. His work combines historical research with narrative interpretation and is intended for readers studying California history and the relationship between regional development and American culture.
help Kevin Starr FAQ
What is Kevin Starr best known for?
Kevin Starr is best known for Americans and the California Dream, his multi-volume history of California's development. The series examines the state's culture, economy, politics, and changing idea of opportunity.
Why is Kevin Starr important to California history?
Starr connected cultural history with political and economic change rather than treating California as only a sequence of government events. His work covers subjects ranging from immigration and cities to Hollywood and the California State Library.
Was Kevin Starr California's state librarian?
Yes, Kevin Starr served as California State Librarian from 1994 to 2004. That role complemented his historical writing by placing him at the center of the state's public cultural institutions.
What period does Americans and the California Dream cover?
The series follows California from its earlier history through the modern era, tracing how migration, urban growth, technology, and entertainment shaped the state. Starr's approach links places such as Los Angeles and San Francisco to broader American ideas about progress.
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