Research

Books

THE BOOK COLLECTION

The Research Library contains more than 2,500 reference books related to all aspects of San Diego history as well as the history of California and the Baja region, many written by local authors. Categories include religion, the social and natural sciences, politics, economics, education, the military, transportation, water, arts and recreation, architecture and biography. The books are an excellent secondary resource providing historical context for our archival materials.

The book collection can only be accessed on site in the Research Library. We do not participate in inter-library loans.

See below for full-text digital versions of a selection of popular books on the history of San Diego. Please note that regular copyright restrictions may apply.

For more information: collections@sandiegohistory.org or 619-232-6203 ext.117

Search our online catalog for archival collections, architectural drawings, books, ephemera files, maps, oral histories, scrapbooks, serials and unpublished manuscripts. Online Catalog

BOOKS

History of San Diego, 1542-1908 by William Ellsworth Smythe

The History of San Diego by Richard Pourade
Volume I: The Explorers, 1492-1774
Volume II: Time of the Bells, 1769-1835
Volume III: The Silver Dons, 1833-1865
Volume IV: The Glory Years, 1865-1899
Volume V: Gold in the Sun, 1900-1919
Volume VI: The Rising Tide, 1920-1941
Volume VII: City of the Dream, 1940-1970