Reviews

"An account of one of the most gigantic and astonishing episodes in human history . . . First-class . . . Meticulously written and researched."-- Jon Manchip White, "Chicago Tribune""A phenomenal achievement . . . Clear, authoritative and compelling . . . tells the story of this particular gold rush with admirable and judicious poise . . . Contains some of the best-known episodes of 19th-Century history as well as some of the most mythologized and colorful characters the world has ever seen . . . Highly readable!"-- William Boyd, "Los Angeles Times Book Review""Extraordinary . . . Vital . . . Vivid . . . Refreshing . . . A huge, complex narrative . . . Taking an entire continent as his canvas, Pakenham has painted a picture of heroism and horror . . . He writes both with compassion and with an effective combination of detachment and judgment . . . A splendid book." -- Peter Stansky, "The New York Times Book Review""An elaborate buffet spread before us . . . With great skill . . . Pakenham strips the impresarios of imperialism of their veneer of Victorian heroism or reputations for statesmanlike vision, to reveal them as men with bloated and often vicious egos." -- Douglas Porch, "Washington Post Book World""Marvelous . . . This lively history includes villains an" visionaries of every race and creed." -- "The New Yorker""Remarkable adventures . . . appalling tragedies . . . The cast of characters both European and African is large andcolorful . . . Wonderfully complicated and fascinating"-- Lee Lescaze, "The Wall Street Journal"