The Bold Italic: Rumors of Our Death Were Greatly Exaggerated

photo by Chris Michel.

In 1859, a San Franciscan named Joshua Norton decided to rechristen himself king. “At the peremptory request and desire of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I, Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the last 9 years and 10 months past of S. F., Cal., declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these U. S.,” he stated in his monarchical…