The Story of Gold: A Glittering History of the World

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 5

Gold lies at the heart of human history. From the Big Bang and the formation of ancient empires through gold rushes, gold vaults, and space exploration, this book reveals what makes gold more than simply alluring.

What do the asteroid 16 Psyche, King Tutankhamun, and pirate queen Sayyida al Hurra have in common? Gold! Since its formation 5.8 billion years ago, gold has been an essential element in the universe, and it has played an important role in the history of the world. The Story of Gold tells the remarkable tales behind thirty museum objects, including grave goods, gold jewelry, royal regalia, golden clothing, and religious items. Each story demonstrates the properties that make gold such a precious metal and considers the alluring effect it has had on humans from ancient times to the present day. Young readers will discover the tattooed Scythian queen who was buried alongside the horse she fought with in battle; King Croesus, who literally made buckets of money when he minted the first gold coins; Emperor Mansa Musa, who gave so much gold away during the Hajj pilgrimage, he ruined the Egyptian economy; the Muisca leaders who revealed the truth about the legendary city of gold—El Dorado; and the boom-and-bust gold rushes in California and Australia that tempted fortune seekers to strike gold. Featuring reproductions of gold objects that have been expertly integrated into full color illustrations by Meel Tamphanon, The Story of Gold tells a glittering history of the world.

About the Author

Meel Tamphanon is an illustrator from Phuket, Thailand. She has a degree in 2D Animation from Rangsit University. Tamphanon is the illustrator of Day & Night: Outer Space and Norse Mythology for Kids: Tales of Gods, Creatures, and Quests. Her clients include Disney and The Boston Globe. Follow her on Instagram @meeltamphanon.John Haywood studied at the universities of Lancaster, Cambridge, and Copenhagen. He is an expert on the history of early medieval Europe. His authorial credits include Ocean: A History of the Atlantic Before Columbus, The Historical Atlas of the Celtic World, and The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings.