SKU: 88949015306

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

Sale price$13.77 Regular price$15.30
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 12 - Jul 17

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

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
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 88949015306

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 928 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Anny
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Compra excelente
Excelente y buen precio
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2024
G
GZ
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
The best shoe brand I have found for toddlers! Exceptional quality
Size: 12 Little Kid, Color: Black/Beige
I have ordered a handful of shoes from Mini Melissa in the past, so I knew to size up. I typically order 1 to 3 sizes larger than what my daughter currently wears depending on the season and type of shoe. For this shoe, I ordered about 3 sizes up, so that she will be able to wear them next spring / summer and I am glad I did. They are a little large on her now, but I know we will get a lot of use out of them next summer playing in the yard, pool and beach! As with all Mini Melissa shoes, the first thing I do when I open the box is smell them - their shoes have the most pleasant scent! They make the best jelly-like quality shoes; they are absolutely worth the price for the quality and style you receive. They hold up very well - they are the only shoes that she outgrows before the shoe breaks down or looks unwearable. My daughter has worn many of their styles, and has never gotten a blister or complained about the comfort. They are supportive, but flexible and even as young as she is, she gets so excited for cute shoes! I ordered the beige and black for something neutral we can wear with many different outfits and that won't show dirt on the sole. The color is exactly as pictured. I really appreciate that top straps are functional and adjustable. She has a bit of a wider foot, so this allows us to get even more use out of them. I am very glad I ordered these and will continue to tell my friends about what I find to be the best shoe brand for toddlers and kids!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2025
L
Verified Purchase
Linda Cassidy
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 3
Summer Slides
Size: 1 Big Kid, Color: Lilac/Glitter
-Slide is sturdy and well made; -Color is very attractive and true to size; -My Granddaughter loves them.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2024
D
Verified Purchase
Dayami
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 4
Size
Size: 3 Big Kid, Color: Black/Beige
Comprar un size más grande de los que usan
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2025
Y
Verified Purchase
Yulieskyvazquez
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
El size se ajusta a la medida
Size: 12 Little Kid, Color: Pearly Beige
Bellos a mi niña le encantaron buena calidad
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2026

recommand products