Sketches from a North Beach journal

"San Franciscans from the Gold Rush of 1849 to yesterday have had a fascination with larger-than-life characters--from heroes and heroines to scoundrels--who have added a sense of vigor and panache to the city. Many of the prominent figures in this book have lived, worked, or just hung out in North Beach. The result is a vibrant, cultural hodge-podge--a San Francisco treasure, an exciting place to live or--if you're a visitor--to dine, shop or just stroll the streets. These sketches present some of the distinctive contributors to the laid back, laissez faire atmosphere and attitudes of the old San Francisco neighborhood." --Dust jacket flap.