
A whimsical anthology that brings the sparkle of the Gold Rush era to the world of timeless fairy tales, this collection weaves together the romance of California’s early towns with the wonder of far‑flung legends. From mist‑shrouded San Francisco streets to the glittering mines of the Sierra, each story is flavored with a gentle touch of pathos and a dash of festive spirit, perfect for brightening a rainy afternoon.
Among the tales you’ll meet a young girl who discovers the true magic of Christmas through a tender encounter between Santa Claus and the Christ‑Child, a daring Moorish adventure over hidden pearls, and a clever Chinese heroine who outwits a fearsome dragon. The volume also offers a playful portrait of the eccentric Emperor Norton and a haunting journey through Death’s Valley, all narrated with a warm, child‑friendly voice that invites listeners to linger in wonder.
Ideal for listeners of any age, these stories blend humor, moral heartbeats, and vivid scenery, creating a cozy literary hearth where imagination and holiday cheer mingle.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (176K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Larry B. Harrison, MFR and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2017-12-10
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
A 19th-century American writer remembered for fairy tales and fiction, she also appears to have worked under the name Mary Richardson Newman Dolliver. Her books blend romance, adventure, and a strong sense of place, especially in stories tied to California and the American West.
View all books
by May Wentworth

by Herodotus

by Annie Keary, Eliza Keary

by Maria Edgeworth

by Abraham Cahan

by Izumo Takeda, Shoraku Miyoshi, Senryu Namiki

by Ernest Thompson Seton

by James Otis