The Gold Crusades: A Social History of Gold Rushes, 1849-1929

by George Fetherling and Douglas Fetherling

Book Overview

Among the hordes of starry-eyed 'argonauts' who flocked to the California gold rush of 1849 was an Australian named Edward Hargraves. He left America empty-handed, only to find gold in his own backyard. The result was the great Australian rush of the 1850s, which also attracted participants from around the world. A South African named P.J. Marais was one of them. Marais too returned home in defeat - only to set in motion the diamond and gold rushes...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802080464
• ISBN13: 9780802080462
• Release Date: December 1997
• Publisher: University of Toronto Press
• Length: 230 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great reference book

As a historic archaeologist this book is invaluable for the history of the gold rushes from California to the Klondike and beyond.

A fascinating view of gold

Fetherling writes a fascinating account of 19th century gold rushes. What is particularly fascinating about this book is level of interconnectedness that he has unearthed. Americans in Australia, Australians in Canada and more - it is a web of social intercourse unsuspected by most. Yet the impact of that interconnectedness has been significant. Looking for a good read, this is it!