Hardcover book titled 'The Beauty of California' by Paul M. Lewis and Robert D. Shangle

Published in 1979 by Beautiful America Publishing Company, this book is part of a series celebrating the natural landscapes and scenic beauty of American states. The Beautiful America series became popular in the 1970s and 1980s, featuring high-quality photography of regional landscapes and natural wonders. These coffee-table books were designed to showcase the diverse geography, flora, and iconic vistas of California, from coastal regions to mountain ranges and deserts. Such photography books appeal to collectors of vintage Americana, California history enthusiasts, and lovers of nature photography. They are valued for their nostalgic representation of the American landscape during this era and serve as both decorative pieces and historical documents of regional beauty before modern development.