Synopsis
Discusses the value of gold and how it has been sought after and used in countries around the world throughout history
Reviews
Grade 4-8-Meltzer once again demonstrates his winning approach to nonfiction with this straightforward, highly interesting overview. The intriguing history of gold needs little embellishment, but this treatment is especially appealing. The conversational text and well-chosen black-and-white photographs and illustrations cover every aspect from the legend of El Dorado and its chiefs who anointed their bodies with gold dust, to the gold rushes all over the world, to the metal's many uses in art and medicine. The author recounts how its lure has led to the destruction of native cultures, the conquest of new lands, and the ultimate downfall of many. Enslavement, cruelty, murder, and racial hatred seem to follow this brilliant element as it outlives those who pursue it. Gold definitely brings new luster to the subject.
Julie Halverstadt, Douglas Public Library District, Castle Rock, CO
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Meltzer sums up the range and theme of his interesting history in a 14-karat subtitle: The True Story of Why People Search for It, Mine It, Trade It, Steal It, Mint It, Hoard It, Shape It, Wear It, Fight and Kill for It--not quite a 24-karat description, since what Meltzer presents in detail is not ``Why'' but how people have found, used, and misused gold. From earliest recorded history until the present, gold has been fashioned into beautiful objects, while its miners have been enslaved and used with terrible cruelty. The author (whose adult Slavery was published in 1993) devotes much of the book to this in a worldwide survey that ranges from ancient Egyptian and Roman quotes to recent accounts of South African mines and the exploitation of Peruvian children. More briefly, he discusses changing technology and the economic role of gold, describes a surprising number of gold rushes, and touches on: alchemy, hoarding, historical insights gleaned from artifacts (the ingenious Incas had a chemical technique for gilding), and more. A bit idiosyncratic in its inclusions, but informed, as usual, by Meltzer's strong social conscience and respect for truth, justice, and the facts. Inviting format, with occasional photos, period engravings, etc.; lengthy bibliography, plus notes on sources relied on for particular chapters; index. (Nonfiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Gr. 5-9. Meltzer makes nonfiction an exciting story. As he did in The Amazing Potato (1992), he takes his subject across time and geography, culture and discipline, and weaves together history, science, biography, economics, and art. In fact, his approach can be a model for the whole language curriculum. In an easy conversational style, he discusses the role of gold in the ancient world and the great African empires, and he connects the past with contemporary technology and exploitation. He makes you imagine what it must have been like to be a slave digging in the mines; or a fortune hunter caught up in a gold rush, from California and the Klondike to Australia, South Africa, and Peru; or a Makuna Indian in the rain forest today, seeing your way of life devastated by the drive for gold. The book design is accessible, with occasional boxed insets and lots of old prints and photographs. There's a long bibliography, and brief notes at the end discuss the books used for each chapter. Meltzer shows that the story of gold is one of great inventiveness and also of human cruelty and greed. Hazel Rochman
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