The Mirage Factory: Illusion, Imagination, and the Invention of Los Angeles
SKU: 88949015306

The Mirage Factory: Illusion, Imagination, and the Invention of Los Angeles

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The Mirage Factory: Illusion, Imagination, and the Invention of Los AngelesFrom bestselling author Gary Krist, the story of the metropolis that never should have been and the visionaries who dreamed it into reality Little more than a century ago, the southern coast of California bone dry, harbor less, isolated by deserts and mountain ranges seemed destined to remain scrappy farmland. Then, as if overnight, one of the world's iconic cities emerged. At the heart of Los Angeles' meteoric rise were three flawed visionaries:

From bestselling author Gary Krist, the story of the metropolis that never should have been and the visionaries who dreamed it into reality

Little more than a century ago, the southern coast of California--bone-dry, harbor-less, isolated by deserts and mountain ranges--seemed destined to remain scrappy farmland. Then, as if overnight, one of the world's iconic cities emerged. At the heart of Los Angeles' meteoric rise were three flawed visionaries: William Mulholland, an immigrant ditch-digger turned self-taught engineer, designed the massive aqueduct that would make urban life here possible. D.W. Griffith, who transformed the motion picture from a vaudeville-house novelty into a cornerstone of American culture, gave L.A. its signature industry. And Aimee Semple McPherson, a charismatic evangelist who founded a religion, cemented the city's identity as a center for spiritual exploration.

All were masters of their craft, but also illusionists, of a kind. The images they conjured up--of a blossoming city in the desert, of a factory of celluloid dreamworks, of a community of seekers finding personal salvation under the California sun--were like mirages liable to evaporate on closer inspection. All three would pay a steep price to realize these dreams, in a crescendo of hubris, scandal, and catastrophic failure of design that threatened to topple each of their personal empires. Yet when the dust settled, the mirage that was LA remained.

Spanning the years from 1900 to 1930, The Mirage Factory is the enthralling tale of an improbable city and the people who willed it into existence by pushing the limits of human engineering and imagination.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Broadway Books
Published: 05/14/2019
ISBN: 9780451496393
Pages: 432
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.20w x 1.00d
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SKU: 88949015306

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Cathy S
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 4
Feelings
Format: Paperback
Written well but for age of lower level for understanding and attention
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Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023
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Bobbie
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Good reading
Format: Hardcover
How could you go wrong with a book like this? Great for kids and adults alike
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Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2026
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Dawningtomoro
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Such an Adorable Book
Format: Kindle
This book was one I originally borrowed on Kindle to read to my twin niece and nephew to hopefully help them stop fighting. The book was so adorable, I bought it for Kindle to make sure I always had a copy. While the message is great, treating others with kindness, the illustrations and rhymes are what make it unique. There are some larger words used, but they are all in a clear context to help build vocabulary. The twins loved the farm animals and I actually used the book as part of a lesson on kindness for my Sunday school class who also enjoyed it. Even though I already have the Kindle version, I am ordering paper copies to give as Christmas gifts this year. I love this author, the illustrations, and the message. This is the type of children's book everyone can enjoy and agree on.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2021
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Mom
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Bonito y fácil de leer
Format: Paperback
Es un libro muy bonito, fácil de leer, entretenido. A mi niño le gustó mucho.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2026
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KrisT
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
A must book for children
Format: Paperback
I got this book 15 years ago at a garage sale and it was one of my kids favorite books of all time. We took it with us everywhere we went (in the car, on vacation etc). My daughter is now in her 20's and she works at a daycare center. She wanted to get some books for their library and when I reminded her of this book she had to get it for them. It has quickly become the classroom favorite, the children ask for her to read it to them daily.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2025

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