Let's recall the lasting significance of the California Gold Rush (1848-55) and how it shaped our state and our nation.

Seeking riches, more than 300,000 people converged here from all over the United States and many foreign countries. Consequently, populations shifted, railroads were constructed, steamship travel boomed, towns were built, cities (including San Francisco) were established, new technologies were invented, agriculture took off and – directly related to all that – California gained statehood in 1850.

Tragically, the environment has never recovered from the damage of mining.

All of which reminds us that 19th Century Books in nearby Pilot Hill sells five titles related to the Gold Rush. These portals into the uncensored past feature unedited, first-person narratives from the pioneers and historians who lived in the era. They're compiled from "primary-source documents," meaning newspaper accounts, letters, diaries and journals, and history books of the day.

The newest title is "The Golden Hub: Sacramento," researched and compiled by Jody and Ric Hornor, founders of the publishing company ($24.95, 312 pages with 280 photos). It's a chronicle of "the birth and development of Sacramento – the city and county," including Folsom, Fair Oaks, Elk Grove, Galt and other communities.

"Our books allow readers to relive the culture of the times, instead of just reading the general information about those days that's found in traditional history books," Jody Hornor said on the phone last week.

To order: (800) 989-8112 or www.19thcentury.us.

Farmer-memoirist will lead workshop

David "Mas" Masumoto will be the featured writer at the fifth annual Author Gatherings sponsored by the Center for Land-Based Learning in Winters.

Masumoto is a third-generation farmer and memoirist who grows organic produce on 80 acres in the San Joaquin Valley. His new book is "Wisdom of the Last Farmer: Harvesting Legacies From the Land" (Free Press, $25, 256 pages).

On Sept. 20, Masumoto will lead a writing workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($50, with lunch), and will host "A Conversation With Mas" from 2 to 5 p.m. ($10, with light snacks). The fees are tax-deductible.

The Authors Gathering will be at the teaching facility called the Farm on Putah Creek, 5265 Putah Creek Road, Winters. For tickets and information: (530) 795-1520 or www.landbased learning.org.

Masumoto appeared for The Bee Book Club in 2005 for his memoir "Epitaph for a Peach."

A Lemony new series?

Bay Area author Daniel Handler (a.k.a. Lemony Snicket), whose "A Series of Unfortunate Events" tales have sold millions of copies, is reportedly writing a new four-book series, the first title due out in 2012.

Handler coyly said in a statement: "I can neither confirm nor deny that I have begun research into a new case, and I can neither confirm nor deny that the results are as unnerving as 'A Series of Unfortunate Events.' "

Insiders say the four books will indeed be the continuation of "Unfortunate Events" starring the Baudelaire orphans.

Meanwhile, look for his for-kids picture book (with artist Maira Kalman), "13 Words," in 2010.

Pick of the week

"The National Parks: America's Best Idea" by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns (Knopf, $54, 432 pages with color and black-and-white photos): This is a marvelous book, the print complement to the Burns-Duncan episodic documentary to air on PBS. On Sacramento's Channel 6, look for the six-part series at 8 p.m. beginning Sept. 27 and concluding Oct. 2.

Meanwhile, the book is an absolutely fascinating history of America's most treasured heritage, with great sidebars, astounding photos and interviews with some of the key players.

Author appearances

• Tom Wootton for "The Bipolar Advantage" and "The Depression Advantage" (both from Bipolar Advantage, $18.95, 195 pages): The books emphasize how to "transform the negatives of bipolar disorder and depression into positives."

Event: Wootton will address a meeting of the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 7 p.m. next Monday; free and open to the public at 6201 S St., Sacramento; (916) 364-1642.

The Bee's Allen Pierleoni can be reached at (916) 321-1128 or apierleoni@sacbee.com. Contact him with news of coming literary events that are open to the public.