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The Secret History of Gold

Myth, Money, Politics and Power
By Dominic Frisby
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Brief Description
The first definitive biography of gold; the metal that has shaped our world - and may yet determine its future. The Secret History of Gold tells the epic tale of the world's oldest and most treasured currency. From its origins in the formation of the solar... Read More
Format: Hardback
$5500
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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The first definitive biography of gold; the metal that has shaped our world - and may yet determine its future.

The Secret History of Gold tells the epic tale of the world's oldest and most treasured currency. From its origins in the formation of the solar system to its pivotal role in both ancient myth and modern finance, Dominic Frisby explores, with wit and brevity, how gold has defined the entire course of human civilisation.

Gold has inspired men to do the most brilliant - and terrible - things. The most stolen metal in history, it has lured explorers, conquerors, and thieves. It has sparked wars, built empires, and empowered leaders - from Alexander the Great to Adolf Hitler - both good and bad. As nations today such as China and Russia mine and hoard gold at record rates, Frisby examines its enduring significance in the digital age and its potential to influence global peace and power.

This is the untold story of gold - its past, its present, and its future.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241728345

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 28 August 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Business

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 160.0mm

Height: 240.0mm

Weight: 483g

Pages: 288

Collections

Dominic Frisby Finance & Economics Finance & Investment Non-Fiction Penguin Books Philosophy & Psychology

About the Author

Dominic Frisby is, unusually, both a financial writer and a comedian. For twenty years, he has a written a weekly blog column for Moneyweek about gold, while his Substack, The Flying Frisby, ranks among the UK's top financial reads. He's delivered a slew of 'lectures with funny bits' on everything from taxation to mining to weights and measures, as well as hosting two financial comedy shows for BBC Radio 4, More Money than Sense with Andy Zatzman, Shazia Mirza and Paul Sinha and Damned Lies with Sir David Spiegelhalter. His previous books, Life After the State, Bitcoin- The Future of Money? and Daylight Robbery, all tackle big ideas about money with both wit and clarity.

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