"An engrossing, multifaceted history." –
The New York Times
"A barn burner. . . . Masterfully sketched historical figures, subtly developed themes, and epically well-braided stories. . . . There's only one thing to say . . . and that's 'Eureka!' " –
San Francisco Chronicle "Exuberant. . . . Entertaining, lively. . . . Brands [is] a wonderfully skilled narrative historian." –
Los Angeles Times "Highly readable and entertaining. . . . History titles loom large, and perhaps none larger than
The Age of Gold." –
Houston Chronicle "A triumph. . . . Brands has struck gold." –
The Oregonian "[H. W. Brands] will change the way you see history. . . .
The Age of Gold brilliantly pans the historical record for nuggets of hardship and, in the process, hits upon a mother lode of a story." –
Austin American-Statesman "Gripping. . . . Thoroughly researched. . . . An eminently readable, detail-filled book." –
Chicago Tribune
"A serious, comprehensive study, filled with memorable visions and interesting observations. . . . A book that explores history, politics, geology, adventure and industry with omnibus enthusiasm. . . . Its author, like the miners of the gold rush themselves, leaves no stone unturned." –
The San Diego Union-Tribune "A fine, robust telling of one of the greatest adventure stories in history." –David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of
John Adams "Brands assembles a colorful collection of people swept into this craze from around the world . . . in[to] a dazzling setting that conveys the world-changing effects of this era. . . . [He is a] master storyteller." –
The Christian Science Monitor "Few historians can tell a tale better than Brands." –
Dallas Morning News "Populated with colorful California characters. . . . Brands makes a convincing case that the discovery of gold was a seminal event in American history." –
Boston Herald "Fascinating. . . . Brands brings the era and its characters to life in a remarkably entertaining narrative that is meticulously researched and crisply written. . . .
The Age of Gold is historical reporting at its best." –
Arizona Daily Star
