The symbol that distinguishes this series is a stylization of the Chinese character for beauty, the theme that underlies each volume in THIS BEAUTIFUL WORLD. Excellent photographs in full color complement an authoritative yet easily readable text; each book opens up new, fascinating horizons to the armchair or seasoned traveler as well as the general reader. The titles on the last page are just a sample of the peoples, places and arts encompassed. California - the Golden State - the land of promise - few places on earth are as favorably endowed as this empire within a nation. Possessing the geographical features of an entire continent - mountains, deserts, fertile valleys, sandy beaches and deep harbors - California is now the most populous state in the union. The unique geography of the state provides both an ideal place to live and the nation's most varied recreation area. From the heavily populated coast, it is only a few hours' drive to moonlike wastelands in Death...