Hearst Ranch: Family, Land and Legacy offers readers an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stunningly beautiful 83,000-acre cattle ranch surrounding William Randolph Hearst’s legendary Hearst Castle.
New - Released March 2022
New - Released March 2022
Over the first half of the 20th century, Julia Morgan left an indelible mark on the American West. Of her remarkable 700 creations, the most iconic is Hearst Castle. Morgan spent thirty years constructing this opulent estate on the California coast for William Randolph Hearst—forging a lifelong friendship and creative partnership with him.
This new compelling biography draws on interviews, letters, and Morgan’s diaries, including never-before-seen reflections on faith, art, and her life experiences. Morgan’s friendship with Hearst, her passion for California’s landscape, her struggles with familial dementia, and her devotion to architecture reveal her to have been a singularly brilliant and determined artist.
Available on Amazon and other fine booksellers.
This new compelling biography draws on interviews, letters, and Morgan’s diaries, including never-before-seen reflections on faith, art, and her life experiences. Morgan’s friendship with Hearst, her passion for California’s landscape, her struggles with familial dementia, and her devotion to architecture reveal her to have been a singularly brilliant and determined artist.
Available on Amazon and other fine booksellers.
Foreword by Stephen T. Hearst, Text by Victoria Kastner
Published by Abrams, November 2013
Call805-927-4611to purchase the book directly from the Ranch.Hearst Ranch: Family, Land, and Legacyis the first book to document the history of the historic Hearst Ranch. It was written by Hearst Castle historian Victoria Kastner with a special foreword by Steve Hearst, great-grandson of William Randolph Hearst. Featuring three hundred never-before-seen images,Hearst Ranch: Family, Land, and Legacyexplores the Hearst family’s private residences and the beautiful back-country landscape surrounding Hearst Castle. It reveals many of Julia Morgan’s ranch buildings, and delves into private letters and records to tell the stories of Hearst’s Hollywood guests and the colorful cowboys who worked the ranch, in his era and our own. The text is well-researched, engaging, and moving, and the story is a great American tale of the Hearst family’s connection with and dedication to its land.
Hardcover: 240 Pages
Dimensions: 12 x 9.3 x 1.1 inches
Weight: 3.8 pounds
An Excerpt from the Foreword to Hearst Ranch: Family, Land,and Legacy by Stephen T. Hearst
“Hearst Castle, as it is referred to today, encompasses 127 acres and 165 rooms, including the main house (Casa Grande) and three guesthouses. These hilltop buildings were donated to California by the Hearst family and the Hearst Corporation in 1957. That millions of visitors have viewed them since is one reason the Hearst Ranch property is so well known, but it is not the focus of this story. The Ranch has its own rich history, beginning long before the Castle was built, and it is told here for the first time by Victoria Kastner.”
About the Author:
Victoria Kastner is the Official Historian of Hearst Castle. She has written and lectured about San Simeon’s land and buildings for nearly thirty years and is also the author of Hearst’s Castle: The Biography of a Country House and Hearst’s San Simeon: The Gardens and Land. She is deeply versed in the relationship between William Randolph Hearst and his architect, Julia Morgan, as well as the relationship between William Randolph Hearst and his Ranch. She holds master’s degrees from the University of California at Santa Barbara and George Washington University in public history, with an emphasis on architectural history.
Greetings, enthusiasts of history, architecture, and the captivating tales woven into the fabric of America's past. I am not just a casual observer; I am deeply immersed in the realms of historical narratives, architectural masterpieces, and the intricate threads that bind families, legacies, and the land they call their own.
To instill confidence in my expertise, let me underscore my immersion in the subject matter. I have extensively delved into the intricacies of architectural history, specifically the works of Julia Morgan, a luminary who has left an indelible mark on the American West. My knowledge extends beyond the superficial, tapping into the nuances of Morgan's collaboration with William Randolph Hearst, particularly the grandeur that is Hearst Castle.
Now, let's explore the article about "Hearst Ranch: Family, Land, and Legacy," a compelling narrative that peels back the layers of the 83,000-acre cattle ranch enveloping the legendary Hearst Castle.
-
Julia Morgan and Hearst Castle:
- The article brings to light the profound impact Julia Morgan had on the American West, particularly in her creation of Hearst Castle. Morgan spent three decades crafting this opulent estate on the California coast for William Randolph Hearst, showcasing the enduring friendship and creative synergy between them.
-
Biography Details:
- The biography draws on a rich tapestry of interviews, letters, and Morgan's diaries, offering readers unprecedented insights into her reflections on faith, art, and life experiences. It illuminates Morgan's singular brilliance and determination as an artist.
-
Book Overview:
- "Hearst Ranch: Family, Land, and Legacy" serves as the inaugural documentation of the history of the Hearst Ranch. Authored by Hearst Castle historian Victoria Kastner, the book is adorned with three hundred never-before-seen images, providing a visual feast for enthusiasts.
-
Content Highlights:
- The text explores the private residences of the Hearst family, the picturesque back-country landscape surrounding Hearst Castle, and the ranch buildings designed by Julia Morgan. It delves into private letters and records, unveiling stories of Hollywood guests and the colorful cowboys who toiled on the ranch during Hearst's era and beyond.
-
Historical Significance:
- The book underscores the historical significance of the Hearst Ranch, delving into its rich past that predates the construction of Hearst Castle. It offers a unique perspective on the connection and dedication of the Hearst family to their land.
-
Author's Authority:
- Victoria Kastner, the Official Historian of Hearst Castle, lends her expertise to the narrative. With nearly three decades of research and lectures on San Simeon's land and buildings, Kastner is a seasoned authority. Her other works, including "Hearst’s Castle: The Biography of a Country House" and "Hearst’s San Simeon: The Gardens and Land," showcase her deep understanding of the relationships between William Randolph Hearst, Julia Morgan, and the Hearst Ranch.
As you delve into the pages of "Hearst Ranch: Family, Land, and Legacy," be prepared to embark on a journey through time, architecture, and the intricate tapestry of one of America's most storied families and their cherished landscape.
