The library system is moving to a new mobile app! The current library mobile app will not be available after February. This only relates to the library’s mobile app (used on phones and tablets). You can still connect to the library through your desktop, laptop, or mobile device’s web browser at https://rcpl.bibliocommons.com/ Projected date for the new mobile app is April. We apologize for the inconvenience
Season of the Witch
Enchantment, Terror, and Deliverance in the City of Love
In a kaleidoscopic narrative, bestselling author David Talbot recounts the gripping story of San Francisco in the turbulent years between 1967 and 1982--and of the extraordinary men and women who led to the city's ultimate rebirth and triumph. Season of the Witch is the first book to fully capture the dark magic of San Francisco in this breathtaking period, when the city radically changed itself--and then revolutionized the world. The cool gray city of love was the epicenter of the 1960s cultural revolution. But by the early 1970s, San Francisco's ecstatic experiment came crashing down from its starry heights. The city was rocked by savage murder sprees, mysterious terror campaigns, political assassinations, street riots, and finally a terrifying sexual epidemic. No other city endured so many calamities in such a short time span.
talk about coming out of the closet! if you are intellectually brave enough to read unpleasant things about those you might heretofore have revered, this just might be the book for you to read, about our neighbor to the south.
I didn’t want to read this book when it came out because I just didn’t want to go back and relive the dark times of San Francisco during the 60s and 70s. I was too painful to reopen that door of chamber horrors. We healed, we moved on, and dealt with new troubles.
I was finally ready and I’m glad I read it for I learned new things (some outrageous and maddening revelations) and understand it all better. Author David Talbot did a great job researching and telling this incredible, turbulent history. He made it all make sense, for it was hellacious and made no sense at all back then. The book is indeed nitty-gritty and like riding a roller coaster gone beserk. Sometimes I had to put the book down and step away for a while. It does end on a good note: the 49ers winning the Super Bowl, which brought us back from the dead. It’s a must read for all native San Franciscans and newbies who think the city is more than a playground and really care to know its history.
This book made me realize how tough and resilient we native born and transplants are to have lived through all that, and, in some ways, how worn out we are from all that turmoil and heartache and our nostalgia about the good old days. What we experienced and endured then will always separate us from the newcomers. No matter how bad things are now, it pales compared to what happened then. It’s a miracle the city survived at all. I attribute that to our fortitude, guts, and ability to move on.
Great, succinct resource for the history of San Francisco from 1960-1990. It shed light on the issues that continue to plague the city. Very interesting read!
If you live in SF, or love SF, you should read this. Fast-paced and informative
patienceandfortitude
Sep 30, 2014
This is a very readable history of San Francisco from the 60's through the 80's -- the cultural revolutions, politics, and tragedies. Anyone who loves the City, and all those who lived there during those incredible times will greatly enjoy reading this book.
Comment
Add a Commenttalk about coming out of the closet! if you are intellectually brave enough to read unpleasant things about those you might heretofore have revered, this just might be the book for you to read, about our neighbor to the south.
I didn’t want to read this book when it came out because I just didn’t want to go back and relive the dark times of San Francisco during the 60s and 70s. I was too painful to reopen that door of chamber horrors. We healed, we moved on, and dealt with new troubles.
I was finally ready and I’m glad I read it for I learned new things (some outrageous and maddening revelations) and understand it all better. Author David Talbot did a great job researching and telling this incredible, turbulent history. He made it all make sense, for it was hellacious and made no sense at all back then. The book is indeed nitty-gritty and like riding a roller coaster gone beserk. Sometimes I had to put the book down and step away for a while. It does end on a good note: the 49ers winning the Super Bowl, which brought us back from the dead. It’s a must read for all native San Franciscans and newbies who think the city is more than a playground and really care to know its history.
This book made me realize how tough and resilient we native born and transplants are to have lived through all that, and, in some ways, how worn out we are from all that turmoil and heartache and our nostalgia about the good old days. What we experienced and endured then will always separate us from the newcomers. No matter how bad things are now, it pales compared to what happened then. It’s a miracle the city survived at all. I attribute that to our fortitude, guts, and ability to move on.
Great, succinct resource for the history of San Francisco from 1960-1990. It shed light on the issues that continue to plague the city. Very interesting read!
If you live in SF, or love SF, you should read this. Fast-paced and informative
This is a very readable history of San Francisco from the 60's through the 80's -- the cultural revolutions, politics, and tragedies. Anyone who loves the City, and all those who lived there during those incredible times will greatly enjoy reading this book.