Summary of The Governor: The Life and Legacy of Leland Stanford by Norman E. Tutorow, Evie LaNora Tutorow, and George Deukmejian

Diving into the life of Leland Stanford, explore his legacy as a railroad tycoon and California governor in this captivating biography.

If you ever thought that California's history was all about beaches and avocado toast, think again! Let's step back in time to meet the man behind the Stanford University fame and fortune-Leland Stanford. Get ready for a two-volume excursion that will make you wonder how one person managed to be both a tycoon and a political figure without having a nervous breakdown! Spoiler alert: This biography is extensive, so buckle up.

Our main character, Leland Stanford, was not your average Joe; he was a "railroad magnate" who pivoted into politics faster than you can say "train wreck." Born in 1824 in New York, young Leland had a knack for making money and rubbing elbows with the right people-two skills that would serve him well as he migrated to California during the Gold Rush. As he quickly learned, mining was great for some, but selling supplies to miners was where the real cash was. You see, he wasn't just digging for gold; he was cashing in on the entire gold fever extravaganza.

Now, if you think managing a business is tough, try running a railroad in the 19th century! Leland founded the Central Pacific Railroad, which not only paved the way for countless other railways but also connected the East and West coasts. This meant that previously, you would've traveled as fast as a snail with a broken leg. His railroad dreams, however, were not without their share of drama and controversy, which means there's literally never a dull moment in these volumes.

When he wasn't busy building a railroad empire or dodging political scandals, our boy Leland decided to dabble in the political arena. He was the 8th Governor of California, showing us that juggling multiple titles is not just a modern-day issue-he did it in top hats and with a mustache that could rival any hipster's beard today. Spoiler alert: His governorship was as eventful as a soap opera with scandalous plot twists. He had his share of enemies, allies, and maybe a few backstabbers hidden in the bushes.

As if that wasn't enough, let's not forget Leland's greatest legacy: Stanford University. Yes, folks, the same Stanford that churns out tech geniuses and future billionaires like a well-oiled machine. Leland and his wife, Jane, decided to build this illustrious institution as a tribute to their deceased son, ensuring their legacy would endure even after they waved goodbye to this mortal coil. The university became not just an educational institution but a cultural icon, yet Leland managed to navigate this transition like a pro.

These two volumes cover every angle of Leland Stanford's life, from his triumphs to his failures, and even the personal stuff-like his relationships, his love for the arts, and his not-so-great moments in politics. Each page is filled with enough detail to satisfy even the most avid history buff, making you feel like you're getting an insider's view of California's past.

In summary, "The Governor: The Life and Legacy of Leland Stanford" is more than just a biography; it's like binge-watching an 1800s drama series filled with ambitious goals, monumental achievements, and, of course, the delightful messes that life creates. And as you turn the pages, you'll be reminded that history is never black and white-sometimes it's a chaotic greyscale of ambition, legacy, and the quest for power, all wrapped up in a lovely two-volume set. So if you're ready to dive into the life of a man who shaped California as we know it, this book is calling your name (probably from a distance, because, you know, volumes).

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.