Topic: Season Of The Witch
About "Season of the Witch" In a kaleidoscopic narrative, bestselling author and Salon founder David Talbot ("Brothers: The Hidden History of the Kennedy Years") recounts the gripping saga 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. In the process, Talbot unveils the deep story behind America's culture war, which raged in San Francisco before going nationwide. As Talbot writes, "San Francisco values did not come into the world with flowers in their hair -- they were born howling, in blood and strife." "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 American city endured so many calamities in such a short time span. David Talbot takes us deep into the riveting story of his city's ascent, decline, and heroic recovery. He draws intimate portraits of San Francisco's legendary demons and saviors: Charles Manson, Patty Hearst and the Symbionese Liberation Army, Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin, Bill Graham, Herb Caen, the Cockettes, Harvey Milk, Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple, Joe Montana and the Super Bowl 49ers. He reveals how the city emerged from the trials of the period with a new brand of "San Francisco values," including sexual freedom, gay marriage, medical marijuana, immigration sanctuary, universal health care, green city initiatives, bicycle-friendly streets, and a living wage mandate. Considered radical when they were introduced, these ideas have become the bedrock of decent society in many parts of the country. As a new generation of activists and dreamers seeks its own path to a more enlightened future, "Season of the Witch" -- with its epic tale of the wild and bloody birth of San Francisco values -- offers both inspiration and cautionary wisdom.
