Gold
A History, a Hunt, a Fever
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کتاب های مرتبط
- اطلاعات
- نقد و بررسی
- دیدگاه کاربران
نقد و بررسی
Starred review from December 2, 2013
Object of lustful desire, symbol of the divine, and representation of great temporal wealth, gold has clouded mankind's judgment for millennia. Here, with remarkable clarity, Hart (Diamond) reveals our historical and economic relationship with this beguiling metal. Drawing from solid research, Hart informs us that in recent years of economic uncertainty, demand for gold has surged, increasing both its price and its production. In fact, the total current global supply continues to grow at an incredible rate while being traded with unprecedented speed and ease. With discussions including the modern mines of South Africa, Pizarro's conquest of the Inca, the London Gold Fixing, as well as hedge funds and gold bullion ETFs, the work not only explores the world history of a commodity, but also provides keen insight into the mechanics of the modern gold markets and its driving players. Combining the engaging style of a travel narrative with sharp-eyed journalistic exposé, Hart's lucid book should find an audience ranging from goldbugs and investors to market-watchers and everyday consumers curious to learn how gold has influenced world history and the present economy.
January 1, 2014
Gold may be the "world's most seductive metal" according to author Hart (Diamond: The History of a Cold-Blooded Love Affair) in this history of gold in civilization and the stories of its acquisition. Each chapter describes key events, including a firsthand account about the work of South African miners and the issues of illegal mining and stolen gold from the mine; 16th-century Spanish plundering of gold from the Incas; the story of the California Gold Rush; the development of the gold standard; gold mining in China in the 21st century; and current speculation and investment in gold and its rising and falling prices that skyrocketed during the financial crisis of 2008. The author focuses on case studies on gold investment, including those by John Livermore and Peter Munk, the latter of who based his research on interviews with those directly involved in the search, as well as investors. VERDICT Hart offers an intriguing look at gold and its impact on economics, finance, and history. Business professors and students, investors, and general readers will find this an informative and fascinating study. [See Prepub Alert, 6/10/13.]--Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., NY
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