California's Utopian Colonies

“[A] compact, scholarly account . . . . This is a significant chapter in the history of the state, and the author has written it competently and well.” ―Charles M. Gates, American Historical Review

Behind the commune movement today lies an impulse for a simpler, less harried existence that has its roots deep in American history. During the last hundred years, California has contributed to the Utopian heritage more colonies than any other American state. From varied backgrounds―religious, secular, co-operative, socialistic, Theosophical, Marxian―each new society experimented with marriage, the raising of children, education, work, religion, or government.