"This fascinating study is an important contribution to the history and archaeology of the Gold Rush, and Layton's treatment of the material is refreshing and original. He has structured his book like a detective story, uncovering vital pieces of information like pieces of a puzzle. Best of all, it's a good read."
Adrian Praetzellis
Sonoma State University
... Read more"Though strictly informative in style, the enthusiasm that imbues every well-written page makes it as readable as a novel."
Joan Druett
Sea History
"Layton tells this story extremely well . . . .[Readers] will find themselves drawn into the many worlds Layton so admirably describes. His excellent book is an important reminder that, even though too many people still tend to think of pre-US California as an isolated backwater, it was an integral part of the developing international economy."
California Mission Studies Association Bulletin "Gifts from the Celestial Kingdom is a thorougly researched, well-grounded and most enjoyable study of an important wreck and its cargo." International Journal of Maritime History "This book is a highly readable reminder that the history of the California coast is a prism with many facets."
California Coast and Ocean "Initiated as a study of the cargo of a China trade vessel carrying goods to Gold Rush California, this fast-paced personal account links past and present through both the discoveries of the maritime world by the author and the last voyage of the Frolic. This is a fine investigative study and a pleasure to read."The Northern Mariner Show Less