The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a widely recognized icon of the city and just as widely known as a historic architectural achievement. Together with photographer James Chen and book designer Eric Larson, authors Patricia Gebhard and Kathryn Masson have created a work that is not only historically important, but nearly as beautiful as the courthouse itself. Chen's 75 full-color photographs beautifully capture the courthouse's ambiance; they combine with Gebhard and Masson's careful research to produce a study and appreciation of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, one that can hope to stand as long as the building itself.