First published 1982, was heralded then, as the most up to date historical paper on gold in Australia with the focus on Hill End.

In 1983 the N.S.W. State Libraries Service bulk purchased for distribution into its affiliates. This book has been used by many who have written similar since. Compiled at a time when leg work through original documents seemed endless and cross referenced to ensure creditability.

The focus is a full start to finish history of gold, complemented by geology, using Hill End as an example of the rise and fall of an Australian gold town.

An absolute must have for any gold library