In this nonfiction book, Rosinsky covers the whole rancho period from its birth during California mission times, to the demise of the big Mexican "Californio" ranchos. There are some interesting "Did You Know?' facts in the end notes (Did you know the value of a cowhide called a California banknote ranged between $1.00 and $3.00?) it is often a challenge to find books dealing with this aspect of California history. ( )