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"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
Christopher D. Dore, Ph.D., RPA
"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
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."
NEW PRINTING RELEASING JUNE 4TH, 2013
Available through Partners West Book Distributors
RETAIL: Builders Booksource, Berkeley 800-843-2028; 1817 4th Street, Berkeley, CA; firstname.lastname@example.org/ or Copy Central at 510-527-5800.
THE CIRCLE OF STONES HAS JUST BEEN REPRINTED AFTER YEARS OF
BEING SOLD OUT.