Atherton, Gertrude: The Californians. V1. 9 Jun 2011
 

Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton (October 30, 1857 – June 14, 1948) was an American writer. Atherton, was an American Feminist and writer of social and historical fiction, much of it set in California. Although her reputation is founded primarily on her California fiction and essays, as well as her biography of Alexander Hamilton, Atherton also produced a number of Gothic stories, some of them, such as The Bell in the Fog, were considered significant achievements in the Gothic/supernaturalist tradition.

This book depicts life in California at the turn of the century as seen through the experiences of the shy, plain daughter of a Spanish grandee and the vivacious, beautiful daughter of a San Francisco entrepreneur.