Hubert Bancroft: 17 books

What is civilization? What is the act of civilizing? To reclaim from a savage or barbarous state; to educate; to refine? What is a savage or barbarous state? A wild, uncultivated state; a state of Nature?... "The terms savage and civilized, as applied to races of men, are relative and not absolute...

There had been some discussion as to improving and beautifying the city of San Francisco prior to the catastrophe of April 18th. Landscape architects had been consulted, proposals considered, and preliminary plans drawn. Therefore when on that day the city was swept by fire, obviously it was the opportune...

This 1890 volume is both an autobiography and a defense of methodology by one of the preeminent historical researchers of his time.  According to a contemporary review in the New York Times, "this story makes better reading than most novels.  It is a genuine contribution to the history of American character and industry."