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This is a rather superficial view of Los Angeles by a London model, who moved to the area to start a photography career in 1981, and her screenwriter father. The portrait is just as one would imagine: luxury cars, stars' estates, studio lots, colorful murals, blue skies and surfers, and too many swimming pools. The 100 color and 20 black-and-white images scarcely show the social complexity, ethnic diversity, and economic disparity suggested in the text. The pages are too small and too poorly printed to present valleys, mountains, and skyscapes, and many of the pictures are snapshot quality. The text, which combines social history with contemporary pop culture, plus quotations from visitors and local writers, is written in a tiring hip/chic language. Altogether, a weak statement. Ann Copeland, Drew Univ. Lib., Madison, N.J. Copyright 1987 Cahners Business Information.