Advance orders for Menlo history book Advance orders for Menlo history book (April 12, 2000)

The notorious book about Menlo Park history -- almost killed last year in a spat over wording and content -- is back on track and should appear early this summer.

Anyone interested in "Beyond the Gate" can sign up for it at a pre-sale price of $38 until May 1. Then the price will rise to $43, including tax.

"We're very excited about the book," said author Michael Svanevik, who teaches history at the College of San Mateo.

Mr. Svanevik sounded a very different note last fall when the board of the Menlo Park Historical Association voted to cancel the book after Mr. Svanevik and co-author Shirley Burgett refused to remove or modify some racy tales, unflattering history, and ethnic references.

The story of the controversy, first reported by the Almanac, caught the eye of the news media, which focused on charges of censorship and bigotry.

Hurt and embarrassed by the attacks, two members of the board resigned. The board regrouped with new members, and revived the contract.

After a nine-hour read-aloud session in January, the board approved a polished and somewhat modified text for the book. In late March it OK'd sample page layouts and cover design. Members even agreed on the color for the cover.

There's still a lot to do before "Beyond the Gate," a coffee-table book, rolls off the presses, Mr. Svanevik said. The rest of the pages need to be laid out with text and pictures, followed by several phases of proofing. Also Mr. Svanevik and Ms. Burgett are working on another contract for a book about San Mateo County parks and no longer have full time to devote to Menlo Park.

He expects "Beyond the Gate" to be released in late June or July.