"Uncovers a centuries-long story of obsession that often included murder, gun fights, deadly accidents, overnight fortunes and even cannibalism. . . Neligh is a practiced writer whose style mixes history and modern realities seamlessly." -Colorado Country Life Gold! brings together the story of this metal’s glittering legacy in the Centennial State and the madness, murder, and mayhem that came along with it. The book examines the rich history of the miners and treasure hunters who came to face danger and hardships in the unforgiving Rocky Mountains. This story is unique in that it takes a look at the phenomenon of gold, the treasure hunters, both modern and historic, and brings them to life in a detailed and sharp narrative. Author Ian Neligh spent a year meeting with experts and enthusiasts, hearing their stories and trying to understand why it is they continue to do what they do—often in the face of extreme hardship. Modern-day gold miners profiled include Al Mosch, Bill Chapman, Ken Reid, and Chad Watkins. Gold! is the story of an unusual subculture on the rise in the mountains of Colorado fueled by a delicate balance of hope, greed, and loss. It tells the story of men mostly forgotten by the world as they go in endless pursuit of an impossible fortune. It follows miners working their small, dangerous gold claims in mines over a hundred years old, to modern-day prospectors trying to strike it rich and counterbalance the weight of a struggling economy. The book also examines if those who spend their lives in search of riches—ever actually strike it rich. This book will appeal to both history buffs as well as fans of modern-day reality shows like Gold Rush.

"Uncovers a centuries-long story of obsession that often included murder, gun fights, deadly accidents, overnight fortunes and even cannibalism. . . Neligh is a practiced writer whose style mixes history and modern realities seamlessly." -Colorado Country Life Gold! brings together the story of this metal’s glittering legacy in the Centennial State and the madness, murder, and mayhem that came along with it. The book examines the rich history of the miners and treasure hunters who came to face danger and hardships in the unforgiving Rocky Mountains. This story is unique in that it takes a look at the phenomenon of gold, the treasure hunters, both modern and historic, and brings them to life in a detailed and sharp narrative. Author Ian Neligh spent a year meeting with experts and enthusiasts, hearing their stories and trying to understand why it is they continue to do what they do—often in the face of extreme hardship. Modern-day gold miners profiled include Al Mosch, Bill Chapman, Ken Reid, and Chad Watkins. Gold! is the story of an unusual subculture on the rise in the mountains of Colorado fueled by a delicate balance of hope, greed, and loss. It tells the story of men mostly forgotten by the world as they go in endless pursuit of an impossible fortune. It follows miners working their small, dangerous gold claims in mines over a hundred years old, to modern-day prospectors trying to strike it rich and counterbalance the weight of a struggling economy. The book also examines if those who spend their lives in search of riches—ever actually strike it rich. From the author of Spurred West: Rogues, Treasure Seekers, Bounty Hunters, and Colorful Characters Past and Present, this book will appeal to both history buffs as well as fans of modern-day reality shows like Gold Rush.

“I can’t imagine a better guide to the Old West and the contemporary Wild West than Ian Neligh. This book is a hoot.” —C.J. Box, #1 New York Times Best Selling Author of LONG RANGE A collection of true stories revealing the spellbinding world of the Old West’s greatest and most infamous characters past and present, including bullfighters, treasure seekers, bounty hunters, detectives, gunslingers, rustlers, even the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, and many more. Just how wild was the "Wild West"—and what’s left of it? A time of legend, adventure, and unspeakable tragedy, America’s Western frontier in the latter half of the nineteenth century helped forge the United States into the country it would become and left an enduring legacy for its people. By the author of Gold! Madness, Murder, and Mayhem in the Colorado Rockies, Spurred West reveals the unusual history behind Colorado’s birth and the cultural formation of the Wild West of the Rocky Mountains. Written with historical accuracy and research in a compelling, gripping voice, this book examines Colorado’s state heritage while telling colorful stories of historic and modern-day figures, from the bondsmen and gunslingers of old to the buffalo wranglers today. Discover the incredible stories of America’s Wild West and the lasting spirit it has emboldened to carry in Colorado still to this day. Includes stories based in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming and of interest to anyone who loves the West.

“I can’t imagine a better guide to the Old West and the contemporary Wild West than Ian Neligh. This book is a hoot.” —C.J. Box, #1 New York Times Best Selling Author of LONG RANGE A collection of true stories revealing the spellbinding world of the Old West’s greatest and most infamous characters past and present, including bullfighters, treasure seekers, bounty hunters, detectives, gunslingers, rustlers, even the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, and many more. Just how wild was the "Wild West"—and what’s left of it? A time of legend, adventure, and unspeakable tragedy, America’s Western frontier in the latter half of the nineteenth century helped forge the United States into the country it would become and left an enduring legacy for its people. By the author of Gold! Madness, Murder, and Mayhem in the Colorado Rockies, Spurred West reveals the unusual history behind Colorado’s birth and the cultural formation of the Wild West of the Rocky Mountains. Written with historical accuracy and research in a compelling, gripping voice, this book examines Colorado’s state heritage while telling colorful stories of historic and modern-day figures, from the bondsmen and gunslingers of old to the buffalo wranglers today. Discover the incredible stories of America’s Wild West and the lasting spirit it has emboldened to carry in Colorado still to this day. Includes stories based in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming and of interest to anyone who loves the West.