The golden whales of California, and other rhymes in the American language

In Short

This collection of poems serves as a spirited, idiosyncratic portrait of early 20th-century America. By blending local folklore, historical figures, and biblical narratives with the syncopated rhythms of jazz and the grandiosity of early cinema, the work attempts to craft an "American language." Through themes of regional pride, religious fervor, and the anxieties of a world at war, the verses oscillate between whimsical fantasy and prophetic intensity. It remains a singular, vivid artifact of its time, capturing the nation’s transition into a modern, industrial, and increasingly complex power.

The Story

The collection begins with an expansive, mythic vision of California, where the state is portrayed not as a mere geographic location but as a place of spiritual extremes. Here, the "native sons" are depicted as "belly-busting devils" who ride whales and revel in gold, only to be confronted by the somber, ghostly presence of Saint Francis, who mourns the loss of purity in a land consumed by material obsession. The narrative pulse then shifts eastward to the provincial, bustling atmosphere of 1889, where the poet recalls the rough-and-tumble political landscape and the rise of sporting heroes like John L. Sullivan.

As the arc progresses, the focus moves toward the fervent idealism of the late 19th century, specifically the presidential campaign of 1896. This is framed as a foundational moment of American democracy, where William Jennings Bryan’s rhetoric—the famous "cross of gold" speech—reverberates like a "glacial boulder" across the prairie, turning the common struggle of citizens into a cosmic event. The tone then darkens as the poet considers the "fever called war," mourning the loss of innocence while grappling with the shadow of global catastrophe.

Beyond these historical meditations, the poet introduces a series of "rhymed scenarios" and playful inventions. Characters like a "lame boy" journey toward the North Star with a fairy guide, and biblical figures such as Daniel and Lucifer are reimagined through the lens of jazz music and dramatic performance. The final act of the book moves into a quieter, more reflective space, focusing on personal relationships, the beauty of the natural world, and the longing for a future where his hometown of Springfield, Illinois, might attain a transcendent, historical grace. The book concludes with a tribute to Alexander Campbell, the religious reformer, whose rugged, forest-dwelling spirit is presented as a persistent, guiding force that might yet lead the "prodigal" modern world back to a sense of purpose and collective identity.

How It Unfolds

The California Mythos: The book opens by juxtaposing the wild, hedonistic spirit of the Pacific Coast with the quiet, tragic observation of a patron saint. This establishes a tension between the pursuit of material gold and the search for a deeper, spiritual foundation.

The Provincial Mirror: The focus narrows to the late 1880s, documenting the mundane details of small-town American life, from popular magazines to prize fights. This section acts as a social history, grounding the poet's later abstractions in the concrete, often gritty reality of the era.

The Political Climax: The central narrative peaks with the 1896 election, presenting it as a clash of civilizations between the "trusts" and the "populace." Bryan becomes a mythic figure, his speech serving as the catalyst for a national awakening.

The Jazz-Infused Parables: The middle section transitions into theatrical experiments, where biblical stories are reimagined as jazz performances. This shift highlights the poet's interest in bringing high-minded themes into the reach of popular, rhythmic entertainment.

The War and the Aftermath: The work grapples with the global conflicts of the time, moving from the specific loss of individual poets to a broader, anxious reflection on the future of civilization. The tone becomes more urgent and desperate as the potential for peace competes with the inevitability of new strife.

The Visionary Resolution: The final pages offer a domestic, localized resolution, envisioning a future where the poet's own home becomes a site of historical dignity. The concluding poems serve as a final prayer for the restoration of simplicity and moral clarity.

The People

The book features a cast that bridges the gap between legendary icons and ordinary citizens. William Jennings Bryan stands as a secular prophet, whose booming voice and populist fervor transform a political rally into a sacred, world-shaking event. In contrast, John L. Sullivan appears as a symbol of raw, physical strength—the "Strong Boy of Boston"—who embodies the untamed, competitive spirit of the late 19th-century American male.

Saint Francis is the moral conscience of the work, a figure of profound sorrow who stands apart from the "golden whales" and the noise of the earthquake, representing the ascetic and the spiritual in a land that has forgotten both. Meanwhile, Lucifer is reimagined not as the ultimate villain, but as a tragic, wandering musician whose beauty and desire for freedom lead to his inevitable downfall. Finally, Alexander Campbell serves as the ultimate bridge between the past and the future; he is the "realist and farmer" whose legacy acts as a spiritual anchor, challenging the reader—and the poet himself—to return to a more authentic and rooted existence.

In Its Own Voice

The ten gold suns are so blasting The sunstruck scoot for the sea And turn to mermen and mermaids And whoop that their souls are free.

This passage, from the title poem, captures the manic, mythic energy the author ascribes to the California landscape.

The earth rocked like the ocean, the sidewalk was a deck. The houses for the moment were lost in the wide wreck.

The poet uses this description to illustrate the visceral, overwhelming feeling of a political campaign rally in the 1890s.

“The people have a right to make their own mistakes.... You shall not crucify mankind Upon a cross of gold.”

These lines are cited as the pivotal, earth-shaking rhetoric of William Jennings Bryan during his 1896 presidential run.

What It's Really About

At its heart, this collection is an inquiry into whether a young, raw nation can develop a culture as deep and enduring as the ancient civilizations of the East. The poet constantly tests the "American language"—its slang, its hymns, and its political slogans—against the weight of history and religion. He asks whether the pursuit of material prosperity, symbolized by the "golden whales," is compatible with the "opposite of gold," which he identifies as spiritual integrity and sacrifice. The work argues that true national maturity requires an appreciation for the complete past—including the "iron dog" on the lawn and the "John Rogers group" in the parlor—rather than a shallow pursuit of modern novelty.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy the rhythmic, chant-like qualities of Vachel Lindsay’s poetry will find this book a fascinating, if sometimes challenging, experience. It is a work of high energy, meant to be heard as much as read; its syncopation and musical directions reflect a unique attempt to merge the page with the stage. Those interested in the history of American populism and the cultural anxieties of the early 20th century will appreciate how the poet turns political events into epic theater.

However, the reader must be prepared for the book's period-specific attitudes, which can be jarring. The author’s romanticized view of certain historical figures and his occasionally patronizing tone toward global cultures reflect the insular perspectives common to his era. Furthermore, the reliance on dense, localized dialect and references to long-forgotten political squabbles can make parts of the work feel opaque today. Yet, if you are willing to lean into the poet’s relentless, breathless enthusiasm, the book offers a rare, kaleidoscopic glimpse into a nation in the process of defining its own myth. It is a loud, unapologetic, and intensely sincere record of a poet trying to sing his country into existence.