"In her latest book, Zanjani... displays her extensive knowledge of the region and exceptional gifts as a writer that make her work a pleasure to read. To this she imparts an intuitive understanding of the colorful characters, Mormons and miners alike, who lived in western Nevada before it became a territory.... This new book from the University of Nevada Press is informed and interesting, splendidly written and enjoyable to read." - David L. Bigler, Utah Historical Quarterly "Nevada's is perhaps the most distinctive frontier story in the American West. Sally Zanjani writes a colorful account of Nevada's gaining of territorial status in the period leading up to and including the Civil War.... She emphasizes the role of individual adventurers, miners, political opportunists, Indians, and a host of unique characters who fought against Mormon dominance even as they rejected how 'tame' the California frontier had quickly become.... The tension between the desire for individual freedom and the need for societal structure is evident throughout this book that, although well documented, contains all the elements of great legend and myth." - James M. Cook, Journal of the West"