King and Queen of Malibu

The True Story of the Battle for Paradise

By: David K. Randall

Narrated by: Eric Summerer

Over a half century, Malibu went from an untamed ranch in the middle of nowhere to a paradise seeded with movie stars. Behind its transformation is the love story of Frederick and May Rindge. He was a Harvard-trained confidant of presidents; she grew up on a hardscrabble Midwestern farm; yet their unlikely bond would shape history. The Rindges settled in Los Angeles, quickly amassing a fortune and ushering the frontier city into its modern form.

After Frederick's sudden death, May spent her life clashing with some of the most powerful men in the country to preserve Malibu as she saw fit. Her struggle culminated in a landmark Supreme Court decision that created the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. The story of Malibu spans from the embers of the Civil War to the glamour of early Hollywood, starring millionaires, movie stars, and rough-and-tumble settlers at a time when the frontier seemed truly limitless.

©2016 Original Material © 2016 by David K. Randall. Recorded by arrangement with W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. (P)2016 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Incredible.

I loved learned about the history of Malibu. Looking forward to becoming part of it. 🌟🌊

Fascinating Untold Story

As a native and lover of all things historic in Los Angeles this story blew my mind. There are so many who contributed to the building of the LA area and so many untold stories. Grateful this book exists and wish those who contributed so much to LA were more recognized. Grateful to Mae and her family for being able to preserve so much of LA especially our grand coastline - it would carry its beauty today if it weren't for their care and sacrifice. Worthy read to any historian and anyone who cares for Los Angeles and preserving its vast history.

Compelling Story about Malibu

An informative and entertaining history of the city of Malibu, California. It would be particularly compelling to those who live in Southern California (as I do). The author scrupulously offers little-known but critical details about how the tony beachside town got its start and offers compelling research into the fights and legal battles that beset Frederick and Mae Rindge as they tried to keep Malibu private, for use only by their family.

The narration was fine, easy to understand and well-spoken.

It's an engaging piece of nonfiction.

dont buy it

bought this book and listened to it. wanted to list to key parts again and found that although I bought it I would have to buy it again. this is just not fair.

went through my library and found over 10 books in the same status.

double purchasing is just not ethical

seriously considering not buying from Audible again as they are the only company I have heard of that does this

Great book!!

Excellent historical narrative detailing the forgotten history of beautiful Malibu, California. At the same time a poignant tale of the battle between a private landowner and the U.S. Government. A 'must read' for anyone who lives in or loves Malibu!

Awesome Read about History of Malibu

As a past resident in the late 60's and early '70s, it was great to understand and know the history of Malibu. This book clearly outlays the story of the Rindge family and their impact in that beautiful area. Great story and a well worth your time read.

Utterly fascinating

This is a great untold story. Malibu, Los Angeles, Cambridge MA, west Adams, and other things are explored in this book about two forgotten people who changed the face of Southern California. Great and kind of moving.

Detailed and interesting

I grew up in the South Bay Area (Lomita) and I found this true story fascinating and it kept my attention. If I had to say anything bad about it, it would be that some places and names were pronounced incorrectly.

Interesting history of Malibu

I enjoyed the book and very much enjoyed learning the history of Malibu. I specially like the way we got to learn about things through the eyes of different people and throughout the course of history. It was interesting to see how Los Angeles and surrounding areas developed and why

Fascinating story!

This was a very interesting story. Well researched and well told. I am happy that I purchased and listened to it.