The California Gold Rush inspired a new American dream—the “dream of instant wealth; won by audacity and good luck.†The discovery of gold on the American River in 1848 triggered the most astonishing mass movement of peoples since the Crusades. It drew fortune-seekers from the ends of the earth; accelerated America’s imperial expansion; and exacerbated the tensions that exploded in the Civil War. H.W. Brands tells his epic story from multiple perspectives: of adventurers John and Jessie Fremont; entrepreneur Leland Stanford; and the wry observer Samuel Clemens—side by side with prospectors; soldiers; and scoundrels. He imparts a visceral sense of the distances they traveled; the suffering they endured; and the fortunes they made and lost. Impressive in its scholarship and overflowing with life; The Age of Gold is history in the grand traditions of Stephen Ambrose and David McCullough.
#607947 in Books William I Hitchcock 2004-02-03 2004-02-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x 1.15 x 5.16l; 1.23 #File Name: 0385497997560 pagesThe Struggle for Europe The Turbulent History of a Divided Continent 1945 to the Present
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The Truth Behind Europe Post WWIIBy THE-DEADLY-DOGHow much do you actually know about Europe post-WWII? If you are like the majority of people you'll know they made it through the Cold War and that they are still around and host an Olympic event every now and then. Hitchcock's "The Struggle for Europe" will open you eyes; will expand your knowledge and will elaborate on all of the deep; burning questions you've ever had about Europe. Sitting down and thinking about my knowledge (even as a history major) prior to reading this book; I am truly shocked at how little I knew.There is so much here in this book and so much brought to the foreground that it's amazing it all fits together. That's another point I wanted to emphasize. This doesn't read like a textbook; doesn't read like a lecture; doesn't read like anything I've had the chance of diving into before.You'll absolutely love it; you'll crave the information and you will forever be thankful the veil has been lifted.5 Informational Stars out of 5!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy AshleyGood read for understanding European History.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy edgar medinagreat
