RSB Books |
Richard SchwartzWriter, Historian |
Click on the book title to be taken to its home page
RSB Books |
The Man Who Lit Lady Liberty |
Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley |
Earthquake Exodus, 1906 |
Berkeley 1900 |
Circle of Stones |
"Richard Schwartz is a treasure to
California archaeology. Although a construction
contractor by day, his passion is the history and
prehistory of the state. Through his contracting work
for clients on private parcels, hiking and walking with
his dogs, and his patient review of early newspapers, he
has identified and visited more archaeological sites in
the Bay Area than has any professional archaeologist. He
remains the primary point-of-contact for professionals
needing to know and understand the site types and
settlement patterns of the East Bay.
The Circle of Stones exemplifies Schwartz’s patient and
detailed historical research. The book is simultaneously
a detective story and an example of the scholarly
thought process that researchers use when investigating
the past. The circle, itself, is a fascinating site and
Schwartz’s investigation goes
a long way in advancing our understanding of its history and
use.
Schwartz, for decades, has exemplified non-destructive
avocational archaeology and history and should be a role
model and inspiration for others interested in pursuing
citizen science."
Christopher D. Dore, Ph.D., RPA
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"Richard Schwartz leaves no stone unturned in
his detailed investigation of
the enigmatic "circle of stones" excavated some years ago
by
archaeologists prior to the construction of the Stampede
Reservoir in
Sierra County, California. His comprehensive
analysis of relevant
historic documents, ethnographic accounts, and
archaeological sources
eliminates a number of possible scenarios about the
origins of the stone
feature. Richard makes a compelling argument of who
built the circle of stones and why, but better you find
out the facts after the journey of discovery presented in
his book. His publication is an important
contribution to the history of this intriguing region of
California."
Professor Kent Lightfoot, PhD., Archaeology
House Head,
UC Berkeley
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Dr. Albert Elsasser, Anthropology Department Head at UC Berkeley and Director of the Lowe Museum said, "It seems to me that Schwartz has covered all the known bases in regard to the origin of the Sierran rock structure commonly called a "stone circle." Dr. Elsasser agreed with the conclusion reached by Schwartz after extensive research, interviews, and site study. The book takes the reader on an archeolgical mystery journey. Who built the circle and why? Schwartz covers all the possibilities from early California settlers of European descent, African American mountain men explorers, Chinese American stone masons building circular cattle corals, the emmigrants on the California Trail, the US Military after the Mexican-American War, and the many possible uses by Native Americans of the area- house, cerimonal circle, dance circle, and animal hunting corral. The Circle of Stones takes the reader on the same methodical journey of exploration and discovery Schwartz made in his study and eventual unraveling of the msytery of who built this mountain stone circle and why. In the interum, much facinating history from all periods is learned."
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ISBN: 978-1-55567-586-8
NEW PRINTING RELEASING JUNE 4TH, 2013
email Richard to see if a
copy might be available
RSB Books |
The Man Who Lit Lady Liberty |
Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley |
Earthquake Exodus, 1906 |
Berkeley 1900 |
Circle of Stones |