Historian Jane Apostol's writing and research prowess can be described
as extraordinary.  Her ability to exhume the smallest, yet still
significant historical detail is inspiring. Clearly she shows great
dedication to her craft and passion the reveal oft-overlooked nuggets of
local history.  She has made significant contributions to the local
history record, none more astounding than the expanded second edition of
her first book, "South Pasadena: A Centennial History: 1888-1988".

In the original, Mrs. Apostol gave us answers to questions such as,
"What did the Monterey Hills look like when they were just hills?" And,
"What business stood in Buster's location long before it served ice
cream?"  This new edition, "South Pasadena: A Centennial History:
1888-1988; Second Edition with Chronology: 1988-2008" picks up where the
last one left off, answering the question, "What has happened in the
community the last twenty years?"  And oh, what answers they are.

A native of Maryland, Jane Apostol graduated from Goucher College with a
major in English literature.   She began her life as a Californian in
1949, and here she wrote write her thirteen books, in addition to dozens
of journal articles.  Her writing has been honored with numerous awards.
Mrs. Apostol has the enviable ability to engage her readers while
educating them.  She informs us while eliciting a large dose of history
and pride in what is essentially a small town.

Jane's talents are particularly evident in "South Pasadena: A Centennial
History: 1888-1988; Second Edition with Chronology: 1988-2008".  It
paints vivid pictures, allowing readers to visualize the first brick of
adobe being laid and the last slab of cement drying on the freeway.  The
chronology of each decade's important events makes her pearls of
information singularly accessible.

Mrs. Apostol lyrically recounts the history of all that comprises South
Pasadena-the schools, the Library, the churches, the society, and so
many of the people and places that form the backbone of the community.
Doyce B. Nunis, Jr., Editor of the "Southern California Quarterly" said
that "the highly readable text, the splendid organization, [and] the
solid research...warrant the highest praise."

As the new Local History Librarian for the South Pasadena Public
Library, I turn to the book daily.  It is frequently the first place I
look for answers to research requests from the public. Often I need look
no further.  The new edition of the coffee table book is the best
present I could have as I seek more local history knowledge.  Jane's
work is so appealing because it is written for each and every one of us.

And what, you might ask, are the answers to those questions you've been
asking yourselves all these years?  You won't be getting them from me.
I wouldn't dare presume to share what Mrs. Apostol can tell you in a
more authoritative manner and more charming style.  You'll have to read
for yourself.

The hardback "South Pasadena: A Centennial History: 1888-1988; Second
Edition with Chronology: 1988-2008" can be purchased in the Friends
Bookstore in the South Pasadena Public Library for $44.95 or by mail
order for $50.95 (includes $6 per book for shipping and handling).  A
check made out to "The Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library"
should be sent to "Apostol Book" at the South Pasadena Public Library,
1100 Oxley Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030 for all mail order requests.
For further questions, call the Friends Bookstore at (626) 441-5294.