The story of the golden bear is also in part the story of the Spanish California. In this life-cycle account of a grizzly named Samson, the author interweaves facts about the species with a history of the state. The narrative covers the period from 1840 to 1849, and it takes place in Yosemite Valley and on the rugged slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

Samson's first encounter with man occurred when he was a yearling. Vaqueros from a rancho in the lowlands roped his mother and sister and carried them away. Although Samson escaped, his later life became an ever-increasing skirmish with shepherds, gold miners, and mountain men as they began to push into his territory. Finally an especially determined hunter managed to trap Samson and bring him to town for one of the notorious bear-and-bull fights popular at the time.

Basing the incidents he describes on actual experiences, Mr. McClung constructs a colorful and authentic tale. Handsomely illustrated, the book is an indirect plea for the protection of grizzlies that still survive in other areas.

From the dust jacket