The Mirage Factory by Gary Krist

Illusion, Imagination, and the Invention of Los Angeles

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Los Angeles, this narrative weaves together the stories of three visionaries who played pivotal roles in transforming the city from a barren desert into a bustling metropolis. The tale unfolds through the ambitious endeavors of William Mulholland, the engineer behind the city's water supply; D.W. Griffith, the pioneering filmmaker who helped establish Hollywood as the epicenter of the movie industry; and Aimee Semple McPherson, the charismatic evangelist who captivated audiences with her theatrical sermons. Their intertwined legacies reveal the complex interplay of ambition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of dreams that shaped the City of Angels.

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