Baja Legends is written by
Greg Niemann, a dedicated Baja traveler who has investigated, researched
and obviously enjoyed Baja California for more than 50 years.
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Baja
Legends written by Greg Niemann,
reviewed by Nancy J. Reid
Baja Legends is written by Greg
Niemann, a dedicated Baja traveler who has investigated,
researched and obviously enjoyed Baja California for more than
50 years. He covers this sometimes harsh but beautiful
area--from its colorful history and rich heritage--by sharing a
multitude of stories that are easy to read, amusing and
informative. The stories take you from bizarre historical
characters that helped to tame a wild land, through the
development of the paved Transpeninsular Highway of 1973-74,
that was a catalyst to
economic development and opened the door to tourism.
The book is divided into sections, covering the stories and
legends of each location (Tijuana/Tecate area; Mexicali/San
Felipe Area; Rosarito and the Gold Coast; Ensenada Bay Area; The
San Quintin Valley and Mountains; Central Baja; the Sea of
Cortez and La Paz and the Cape); and the early history, so you
can enjoy each story on it's own, or read it straight through.
The writing style is clear, personable and easy to read--making
each story fun and memorable. The amount of research done and
the organizing of the book must have been a daunting task, but
the end result is so user-friendly and interesting, that you
just want to keep reading "just one more story."
It is clear that Niemann is a fan of
Baja and it's people, which I find very refreshing. With the
current dilemma regarding illegal aliens within the USA, a lot
of misinformation about Baja and it's residents, unfortunately
makes it's way into the media unchecked and immediately believed
as the truth. Anyone who has spent anytime in Baja will love and
appreciate the honesty in Niemann's book, and I think it is a
"must read" for anyone interested in visiting Baja. For me, it
will be one of those books to take with me on my next trip, so I
can look up some of the businesses and landmarks written
about--a great way to enhance a visit. I especially enjoy the
story about
Los Coronados and the pirate Jose Arvaez, having been there
recently--and of course, Hussongs--which anyone who visited Baja
around the late 60s-70s can appreciate. I recommend this book to
anyone that likes to travel and those with an interest in
Mexico.
Greg Niemann was a
featured guest on Champagne Sundays online radio show on July
27, 2008, that aired from 11 am and 1 pm. To listen to the
entire unedited show,
please click
here. To listen to Greg's interview, please double
click on the Play Button below.
About
the Author, Greg Niemann:
Greg Niemann graduated with a degree in journalism from
California State University, Los Angeles, and is an
accredited business communicator. Niemann’s books include
Baja Fever, Baja Legends, Palm Springs Legends, and his
newest, Big Brown: The Untold Story of UPS. The memoirs
brought out in Baja Fever created a loyal following of Baja
fans. Baja Legends, which focuses on the characters, events,
and locations that put Baja California on the map, won an
award from the Outdoor Writers Association of California,
and is in its second printing. Palm Springs Legends has been
one of the top sellers in all Coachella Valley bookstores
since its release, and is in its second printing.
A popular
speaker, Niemann has presented numerous slide shows and/or
book signings at venues including: Barnes & Noble, Borders,
Costco, Discover Baja Travel Club; Distant Lands Travel
Club, BookExpo America, and the Los Angeles Times Festival
of Books. He is a member of the Friends of the Palm Springs
Library, the Palm Springs Historical Society, the Palm
Springs Desert Museum, and The Living Desert in Palm Desert.
He enjoys big game ocean fishing, fresh water fishing, and
other outdoor activities, like hiking, bicycling, and
rafting.
Niemann is
a fourth generation Californian whose great grandfather at
one time published the Pomona Progress and Independent. He
and his wife reside in southern California. They travel as
much as possible and also have a weekend home in Baja
California, Mexico.
Published by Sunbelt Publications
To find our more about Greg Niemann or to
purchase a
copy of Baja Legends, visit
www.gregniemann.com or
visit
www.sunbeltpub.com/
Baja
Legends
About
the Author, Greg Niemann:
Resource
Guide