The secret history of gold : myth, money, politics, and power / Dominic Frisby.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Frisby, Dominic, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Gold--Economic aspects.

Gold.

Gold--History.

Gold standard.

Economics.

Politics and government.

Civilization.

International relations.

Money.

Genre:

History

Informational works

Physical Description:

[x], 271 pages : illustrations, charts ; 24 cm

Edition:

First Pegasus Books cloth edition.

Other Title:

Myth, money, politics and power

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Pegasus Books, 2026.

Summary:

"Revealing the sweeping saga of the world's oldest--and most treasured--currency, this is the first definitive history of gold. The Secret History of Gold tells the sparkling, eye-opening, and definitive story of the metal that has shaped our world--and may yet determine its fate. From its origins in the formation of the solar system to its pivotal role in ancient myth, conquest, and modern finance, Dominic Frisby reveals how gold has shaped civilizations, built global economies, and defined systems of power over millennia. Discover how gold has sparked wars, built empires, and empowered leaders from Alexander the Great to Adolf Hitler. As nations like China and Russia mine and hoard gold at record rates, Frisby examines its enduring significance in the digital age and its potential to influence the future of global peace and power. Not only is this the first comprehensive history of gold, at its heart, the book argues that gold keeps society honest by curbing government overspending as well as economic inflation, since we cannot create more of it."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

The eternal metal

The ancient genesis of gold

Myths and dragons, coins and kings

Gold in the classical world

The Middle Ages, international trade and the changing nature of money

Lust for gold brings violence to South America

The birth of central banking and the accidental gold standard

The mysterious world of alchemy

Gold fever everywhere

The first World War and the end of sound money

The nazis and the greatest hoard of treasure ever discovered

The mucilaginous mystery of Japanese gold

How the US made the world dependent on the dollar

What to do with all that gold?

Irrelevant gold stays relevant

What's the point of gold?

The future of gold

How much gold does China have? And why?

Conclusion: beauty, freedom and truth.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9798897100996

OCLC:

1547271003

Publisher Number:

90104612083