A complete list of our ebooks can be found at Amazon and Smashwords. Click on book covers to see larger image.
Classic Tales in California History: California’s Early Years
Read the story of Wheel Barrow Johnny, who came west to seek gold, took a job with a blacksmith shop instead, and soon became the most noted wheel barrow maker in the gold country. He late on became one of the chief auto magnates in the United States. You can also learn about three women who are said to have found gold a full year before James Marshall made his discovery in Coloma.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
| $11.95 Print |
Historic California: Its Colorful Names and How It Got Them
The way California towns got their names is sometimes amusing and always and interesting lesson in history. Many towns, for instance, were named by railroad superintendents. Instead of giving their foreman a raise in pay, they would name a train stop after them. Other towns were named for the type of industry there, the location of the town, or other curious aspects that attracted the pioneer naming the town.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store
| $11.95 Print |
Little Known Tales in California History (Revised)
No bandit so terrorized California as did Joaquin Murrieta. Yet, when one investigates the background of Joaquin Murrieta, he is difficult to pin down. There are few if any police records. Yet, according to history, California’s Governor John Bigler sent out Captain Harry Love and his state rangers with orders to bring back the outlaw. Captain Love brought back a head, ensconced in a keg of brandy to preserve it, which he claimed to be that of Joaquin, but others dispute this. Because of the lack of police and court records, the true story of Joaquin Murrieta may never be known. Author Alton Pryor gives the reader enough information that they, themselves, can ultimately decide whether Joaquin was a true Mexican bandido, or simply the myth of an imaginative gold rush newspaper reporter.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
| $11.95 Print |
Little Known Tales in Nevada History
One of the big controversies when Nevada became a state was what that pristine body of water separating the states of California and Nevada would be called. The story on finding a proper name is worth the price of the book. Nevada’s history is much more than casinos and sage brush. There was the big battle at Pyramid Lake; there was a war between whites and Orientals; and there is the story of Nevada’s last lynching. We promise you that you’ll enjoy your trip through Nevada’s history. If you don’t, return the book for a complete refund.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
| $11.95 Print |
Fascinating Women in California History
Here are women who were first in their accomplishments, often conquering odds far and above the conditions that men had to meet. Take Donaldina Cameron, who braved hazardous opposition to rescue more than 3,000 Asian slave girls that had been sold to become prostitutes in cities such as San Francisco. Readers will also learn about several other women that helped make California what it is today.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
| $11.95 Print |
The Timeless Quotations of President Ronald Reagan
“Government is the people’s business and every man, woman and child becomes a shareholder with the first penny of tax paid,” was only one of the memorable quotes from one that many consider one of our greatest presidents. President Reagan was arguably the most quotable president in the history of the United States. He was not only a great communicator, but he instituted actions that made things happen.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
| $6.95 Print |
Reliving California’s Vibrant History
Alton Pryor’s newest book on California history contains 28 completely different historical stories on California history. Read on: Did you know that a French revolutionary pirate attempted to loot California in 1818? Did you know that California’s first governor resigned after little more than one year in office? Did you know egg thieves ravaged the Farallone Islands for bird eggs to satisfy the appetites of the gold rush miners?
$1.99 Ebook Kindle Store
| $11.95 Print |
Outlaws and Gunslingers: Tales of the West’s Most Notorious Outlaws
When you bring 27 of the West’s most notorious outlaws together in the same book it’s a wonder it doesn’t explode. We guarantee the book won’t explode but readers will learn what these characters were thinking when they pulled off the biggest armed robberies in the west. Come join the fray, but watch out for the sheriff!
$3.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
| $11.95 Print |
Those Wild and Lusty Gold Camps
Some gold camps had big dreams of becoming full-fledged cities. As soon as the easy-to-get ore played out, so did the camp’s residents. Some gold camps lasted only a few days or a few weeks. Some have survived and are attracting tourists hungry to see what a gold town looked like in the old days. We suggest travelers seeking out gold camps try visiting Nevada City, Downieville, and Alleghany. Alleghany has a working gold mine.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store
| $11.95 Print |
Odd and Unusual Tales from the Old West
Read about the Seven Little Indians, whom hard-bitten mountain men could not bring themselves to put to death following an Indian battle. The reader will also find a story of the Headless Horseman, a true tale that happened in Texas. The legend of Blackberry Hill, John Colter’s six mile naked run from Indians and the Rape of Monterey, one man’s power grab over an entire county, will fascinate readers.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
| $11.95 Print |
The Bawdy House Girls: A Look at the Brothels of the Old West
Many of the women in bordellos were there because they had few options, they had to make a living and this was the readily available means on the western frontier. In the west, the bawdy house girl filled an obvious need or they would not have survived as long as they did. Many did go on to marry prospectors, cowboys, or even doctors and lawyers and set their lives straight. For some, however, it was the kind of life they wanted and wouldn’t do anything else.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
| $11.95 Print |
The Lawmen
Lawmen of the old west played a juggling act as far as the law was concerned. The lawman had be both tougher and smarter than his outlaw counterpart or the outlaw would win. Most the sheriffs and marshals wearing abdages played at gambling, often owning the gambling concessions in the saloons and barrooms of the very towns they were required to police. As it was gambling that caused much of the trouble in any western town, the lawmen found themselves supporting gambling while trying to curb the unlawful activities of angry gamblers. The lawman was invariably good with a gun, and was often forced to bring it into play. Read about thirty of the West’s most notorious lawmen in this book.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
| $11.95 Print |
Charles Lindbergh: The Rogue Aviator
Charles A. Lindbergh started his flying career as a barnstorming daredevil, walking on the wings of flying aircraft and performing parachute stunts. He entered the engineering program at the University of Wisconsin. He failed the course. He dropped out and later enrolled in the Army Air Service Cadet Program in San Antonio, Texas, where he finished first in his class. On a goodwill tour he flew to Mexico City. There, he met Ambassador Dwight Morrow’s daughter Anne Morrow. It took Charles 10 months before asking Anne for a date. By their third date, he proposed to her and she accepted. Lindbergh planned every detail of his trip and evaluated the necessity of every item he would carry. For instance, he opted to leave his parachute behind so he could carry more fuel. Likewise, he passed on taking a radio.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Memorable Quotations of President William Jefferson Clinton
Bill Clinton’s grandparents were strict disciplinarians who instilled the importance of a good education in William Clinton. “My grandparents had a lot to do with my commitment to learning. I was reading little books when I was three.” Neither the grandparents nor his parents showed an interest in religion, but Bill Clinton became a devoted Baptist from a very young age. His stepfather drank heavily and was abusive to both his mother and younger half-brother. At age 14, Clinton had had enough. Standing at more than six feet tall, he told his stepfather, “If you want them, you’ll have to go through me.” The abuse stopped, but Roger Clinton’s drinking did not. Clinton’s mother divorced him in 1962. Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States, and served from 1993 to 2001. William Clinton was the third-youngest president, inaugurated at the age of 46. He served as governor of Arkansas twice, once from 1979 to 1981, and again from 1983 to 1992. He was the youngest governor the country had seen in 40 years. He served as Arkansas’ 50th Attorney General from 1977 to 1979. In 1998, he was impeached by the House of Representatives, but was acquitted by the Senate in 1999. Married to Hillary Rodham Clinton since 1975, they have one daughter, Chelsea, who was born February 27, 1980. Bill Clinton is considered a skilled saxophonist. He is the only president to play the saxophone.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store and Smashwords
California and the American Civil War
California sent more volunteers to fight in the American Civil War than any other state in the Union. California sent about 17,000 men to fight in the Civil War. Volunteers fought in 31 engagements, most in the Shenandoah Valley. Others served with distinction in New York and Pennsylvania regiments. Author Alton Pryor has captured many of the elements involving California and the American Civil War. Most of the men in Southern California during the American Civil War were Confederate sympathizers. Because of their number they exercised a great deal of influence in the state. The American Civil War is judged as America’s Worst War, as Americans were fighting Americans and all were trying to kill each other. The reader will learn many facts about California’s involvement in the Civil War that is not known by most Americans.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Big Four Railroad Barons and Other Railroad Stories
The Big Four — Collis Huntington, Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford, and Charles Crocker — ruled California government, both state and local, for thirty years. The Southern Pacific Railroad, which they owned, was the single largest corporation in California and controlled 85 percent of the state’s railroad tracks. Huntington handed out bribes to state legislators, federal congressmen, local police, and government officials with impunity. They owned the ferry services, local transit companies, and wharf facilities. At political conventions, agents of the railroad freely circulated the convention floor and dominated the smoke-filled rooms, arranging the nomination of pro-railroad candidates. The Big Four had access to the floors of the both the legislature and the senate. It was a difficult task, but Californians finally had enough and decided to bring down the Big Four.
$3.00 Ebook Kindle Store
The Mexican Land Grants of California
The land grants made in California were private rancho grants. The California missions held much of the best land in trust for the Indians. When the missions were secularized in 1833, many Indians chose to leave the missions and were allotted some land. But most of the land in California was acquired by non-Indians. Between 1835 and 1845, nearly 700 land grants were made to private claimants of the most fertile former mission tracts — often close friends or supporters of the governors who wielded the authority to approve a grant.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store
Scandals and Scoundrels
There was no scandal like the girl who said a cable car accident turned her into a nymphomaniac. She was awarded $50,000 for it. How about the judge who loved playing three-card monte on the public’s money? When he was broke and needed money, he opened court. He summoned a deputy and told him to bring in a drunk with money. After fining the drunk, he pocketed the $20 fine and went back to playing three-card monte. This book is filled with outlandish and sometimes humorous tales of the scam games of the west and the scandals that occurred along with them.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
Little Known Tales in Hawaii History
Hawaii was not always a paradise. Hawaii’s history was turbulent and soul-wrenching. Taboos placed on commoners by royalty were harsh and cruel. But Hawaii also has its wonderful historic lore, such as the Menehunes, or Hawaii’s “little people.” Readers will also learn the true history of the ukulele, and its origin may be a surprise.
$2.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
Publish It Yourself: Five Easy Steps to Getting Your Book in Print
You, too, can publish your own book. In easy to understand language, author Alton Pryor walks the new author through the steps it takes to get a book into print. It is the same method the author used in publishing all 18 of his books. Your book can sit on the shelf next to those books published by major publishing houses and look just as professional. In book publishing, it is the author who must do all the promotion and marketing activities even though a major publishing house is handling the details. If you have to do all the work, why not take more of the profit?
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Real Life of Jesse James
Jesse James fought hard in the Civil War, but came out of it essentially an outlaw. He fought on the wrong side. He had few options for employment, but didn’t necessarily choose the right one, as he elected to become an outlaw. He tried to settle down, but was never able to accomplish his goal.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Real Story of Billy the Kid
Billy was born into poverty. Early on, a bullying blacksmith taunted Billy into a fight he didn’t want. Billy ended up killing his first man. Some historians claim Billy killed 21 men during his life, but documents show on five died from Billy’s gun.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Real Story of Butch Cassidy, Leader of the Wild Bunch
Cassidy and The Wild Bunch thought their first hit on the Union Pacific train was easy pickings and decided to do it again. In the first heist, they were confronted by E.C. Woodcock, the guard of the mail room. In their first robbery, Woodcock, even after a pistol whipping, refused to open the mail car. The outlaws proceeded to rip it open with dynamite. Thirty thousand dollars in charred bank notes were sent scattering across the desert.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Real Life of Judge Roy Bean
Judge Bean once levied a fine on a dead man in his court. Once the judge learned the corpse had $40 and a six gun in his clothing, he fined the body $40 for carrying a concealed weapon. Naturally, as with all his fines, he kept them. Nothing was sent to the State of Texas. Judge Bean had his own versions of justice, but as outrageous as some decisions could be, they seemed to work in the law of the Texas Pecos country.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Real Story of the Apache Kid
He worked as an Army Scout, gaining recognition for his work and was promoted to Sergeant in one year. Left in charge of the camp while his superiors were gone, some friends brewed and illegal liquor, getting drunk. The Apache Kid, in charge of the camp, was blamed for the incident even though he had not participated. He was forced to resign.
$2.00 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Real Story of Calamity Jane
Calamity Jane grew up in a man’s world. She could outswear, outdrink, and outshoot many of the men. She was madly in love with Wild Bill Hickok, who refused to return the favor. Calamity died poor and destitute, even working as a prostitute to sustain herself.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Real Story of Wyatt Earp
Earp’s early record as a marshal was indeed unimpressive. Never remaining long in one place, Wyatt left Dodge City and three months later, landed in Tombstone, Arizona. When Virgil Earp got the job as marshal of Tombstone, he recruited his brothers, Wyatt and Morgan Earp as “special deputy policemen.” Wyatt soon stirred things up again, getting into a ruckus with John Behan, sheriff of Cochise County. The quarrel began over a woman, Josephine Sarah Marcus, who Wyatt later married. Earp wanted Behan’s sheriff job and planned to run against him in the next election.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Real Story of Bat Masterson
After serving as a sheriff’s deputy with Wyatt Earp, Bat was elected county sheriff of Ford County, Kansas. He captured four members of the Mike Roark Gang. The gang was unsuccessful in holding up a train at nearby Kinsley. As Ford County Sheriff, Masterson’s jurisdiction ranged 75 miles north to south, and 100 miles east to west. Two weeks after taking office, he led a posse in pursuit of six train robbers who’d botched a robbery at Kinsley. Masterson set a trap and captured two of the outlaws right away. Soon after, he captured three of the four remaining bandits, one of which was Dave Rudabaugh, who later rode with Billy the Kid.
$0.99 Ebook Smashwords
The Real Story of John C. Fremont
In 1846, at the San Rafael Mission, Fremont sent three men, one of which was Kit Carson, to confront three unarmed men debarking from a boat at Point San Pedro. Carson asked Fremont if the men should be taken prisoner. “I have no room for prisoners,” Fremont replied. Carson and the two others assigned by Fremont advanced on the three men and deliberately shot and killed them. One was an old and respected Californian named Don Jose R. Berryessa. The other two were twin brothers and the sons of Don Francisco de Haro of Yerba Buena.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Real Story of Kit Carson
Carson met John C. Fremont on a riverboat while he was returning home to Missouri to meet his family. Fremont asked him to be a scout on his next expedition west. He paid him $100 a month to lead an expedition across the Rockies. Carson became a national hero when dime novels exaggerated his feats in the wilderness. Over the next several years Carson guided Fremont and his entourage to both Oregon and California.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords
The Story of David Jack, the Land King
David Jack is accused of financially raping the city of Monterey. Monterey was granted considerable acreage in a Mexican Land Grant. The City had to hire an attorney to prove up on the title with the Federal Land Commission. The City hired a lawyer, but when presented with a bill for his services, did not have the money in the bank. David Jack, in partnership with the lawyer, foreclosed on the Monterey City lands, acquiring ownership to some of the most valuable property in Monterey, including the land where the Pebble Beach Golf Course now resides.
$0.99 Ebook Kindle Store | Smashwords