The Age of Gold

The California Gold Rush and the New American Dream

By: H.W. Brands

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

By the author of the best-selling Pulitzer Prize finalist

The first American - they went west to change their lives and in the bargain they changed the world. This is the extraordinary story of the men and women of the Gold Rush.

When gold was first discovered on the American River above Sutter's Fort in January 1848, California was sparsely populated frontier territory not yet ceded to the United States from Mexixo. The discovery triggered a massive influx as hundreds of thousands of people scrambled to California in search of riches, braving dangerous journeys across the Pacific, around Cape Horn, and through the Isthmus of Panama, as well as across America's vast, unsettled wilderness.

Cities sprang up overnight, in response to the demand for supplies and services of all kinds. By 1850, California had become a state - the fastest journey to statehood in US history. It had also become a symbol of what America stood for and of where it was going.

In The Age of Gold, H. W. Brands explores the far-reaching implications of this pivotal point in U.S. history, weaving the politics of the times with the gripping stories of individuals that displays both the best and the worse of the American character. He discusses the national issues that exploded around the ratification of California's statehood, hastening the clouds that would lead to the Civil War.

He tells the stories of the great fortunes made by such memorable figures as John and Jessie Fremont, Leland Stanford and George Hearst - and of great fortunes lost by hundreds now forgotten by history. And he reveals the profound effect of the Gold Rush on the way Americans viewed their destinies, as the Puritan ethic of hard work and the gradual accumulation of worldly riches gave way to the notion of getting rich quickly.

©2002 H.W. Brands (P)2002 Books On Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"With solid research and a sprightly narrative, Brands's portrait of the gold rush is an enlightening analysis of a transformative period for California and America." (Publishers Weekly)
"Brands writes history as the art of storytelling that enthralls and informs the reader. Highly recommended." (Library Journal)
"An important work of history." (Booklist)
"Exuberant....Entertaining, lively....Brands [is] a wonderfully skilled narrative historian." (Los Angeles Times)
"An engrossing, multifaceted history." (The New York Times)

Very interesting but not riveting

I really enjoyed the information presented in this book. However, it was kind of a meandering narrative and didn't really suck you in. That being said I was disappointed when It was done because I really enjoyed the steady stream of trivia/history.

A great slice of history

This is a another great slice of history that fills out the narrative of the American experience. H.W. Brands does an excellent job of tying together the east and west formation of our country. The age of gold is a world changing event that moved masses of people around the world and set an example the echoed through the ages. This book puts in context the human nature that drives humanity to seek at all costs the hope of sudden riches. It explanes much about our world and leaves the reader wiser for the time spent listening. Highly recommended. The reader is unobtrusive if not spectacular.

Gold Rush and beyond!

This is the most complete book I have ever read about the California Gold Rush! The book follows prospectors to California from all over the globe. How they fared and what happened after the Gold Rush of 49.

Besides the rush for gold The Age of Gold also does a good job with the histories of John C. Fremont. Leland Stanford, M. Vallejo, A. Sutter, and many many more. Also mentioned, in this book, is how the gold effected Later Day Saints, The Civil War, Transcon. Railroad, Pony Express, just to mention a few.

If you love history you will love this book!

Organized and connected

This history was tied together, so that one can follow the natural development and consequences created by the discovery of gold in California. The book gives your background so you can almost bring it forward to present day. On the other hand, there was not much attention. To the destruction of the Indian tribes prevalent in the area prior to the gold discoveries and the rush to the west.
The narration is adequate, but sometimes dry. There is, however, a wryness provided by the author that gives good color to the narration.

Great History of California!

The Author weaves the history of California into a wonderful tail! My kids love this story! Although they have to listen to it in small chunks.

Packed with fascinating info

I loved this book. It’s just packed with info and anecdotes. The narration is terrific. What an amazing story!

A story as rich as the subject metal.

H.W. Brands style of writing is as rich was his subject and in this case the narration sets a stage that befits it. a thoroughly enjoyable books that becomes more so as the story evolves to the point I lamented the hours left with each listen.

Engrossing and informative

Again, the author brings history to life! A gripping telling of the stories behind the historical period.

interesting but would not read again

It was an interesting topic but somewhat disjointed I felt the last 1/3 was more organised.

Very thorough and entertaining.

Covers the back-story of so many aspects of the Gold Rush and subsequent mineral development in the West, plus the evolution of civilization and cities.