Harry Chandler was the driving force behind the emergence of the Los Angeles Times as one of the most influential newspapers in the United States; he was also responsible for the rapid rise of Los Angeles as one of the major cities in the country. Chandler's conservative philosophy was reflected not only in the pages of the Times, which was a notorious right-wing paper, but in the distinctive social character of southern California.

Chandler regarded the Times as an instrument of his commercial interests. Through his private investments, he largely shaped the physical expansion and commercial development of the region. One of the area's leading entrepreneurs and real estate developers, he acquired the reputation of "California's landlord." His vast personal wealth derived primarily from his extensive land speculations.

As president and publisher of the Times, Chandler actively promoted the enormous economic and population growth which turned Los Angeles...