Edwin Corle was known for his realistic portrayals of Native American life in the early 20th century. After beginning his career in radio, he transitioned to writing numerous short stories and non-fiction for magazines. His acclaimed novel, Fig Tree John, drew inspiration from a Cahuilla Indian from southern California, reflecting his deep interest in the region and its people. Corle also explored the arts through his writings on Igor Stravinsky and Merle Armitage, and began an ambitious multi-volume novel exploring California's history, though it remained unfinished.
The book focuses on the republishing of classic works from the early 1900s and earlier, highlighting their scarcity and rising costs. It aims to make these valuable texts accessible by offering high-quality, modern editions that preserve the original text and artwork, ensuring that these important literary pieces remain available to readers today.