This photographic homage to the "City of Angels" – starting from the first photograph taken in Los Angeles to the latest panoramic images of the sprawling metropolis – illustrates the entire spectrum of the city's history in a comprehensive visual narrative. Through the works of countless photographers, the book traces the cultural, political, industrial, and sociological history, focusing on the key developmental phases of the city, from the real estate boom of the 1880s to the uncontrolled suburban sprawl of the late 20th century. Over 500 images depict the rise of the city, transformed from barren desert land into a lush Garden of Eden thanks to artificial irrigation.

Significant events that made headlines around the world, particularly two Olympics, the assassination of Robert Kennedy, and the Rodney King riots, showcase the city's multifaceted nature. Alongside Hollywood, the global capital of the entertainment industry and its stars, the book also portrays famous personalities, architects, artists, and musicians. This illustrated volume considers many pop culture phenomena that originated here, such as surfing, health-conscious eating trends, and hot rods, as well as the infamous crimes and criminals of the city. Thanks to hundreds of recently discovered images, including those by Julius Shulman, Garry Winogrand, William Claxton, and many more, the visual history of the city unfolds in a whole new dimension. The images, gathered from significant historical archives, museums, private collections, and universities, are complemented by insightful texts from the renowned California historian Kevin Starr.