| Format | Hardcover |
| Publication Date | 05/05/26 |
| ISBN | 9798897100996 |
| Trim Size / Pages | 6 x 9 in / 288 |
Revealing the sweeping saga of the world’s oldest—and most treasured—currency, this is the first definitive history of gold.
The Secret History of Gold tells the sparkling, eye-opening, and definitive story of the metal that has shaped our world—and may yet determine its fate.
From its origins in the formation of the solar system to its pivotal role in ancient myth, conquest, and modern finance, Dominic Frisby reveals how gold has shaped civilizsations, built global economies, and defined systems of power over millennia.
Discover how gold has sparked wars, built empires, and empowered leaders from Alexander the Great to Adolf Hitler. As nations like China and Russia mine and hoard gold at record rates, Frisby examines its enduring significance in the digital age and its potential to influence the future of global peace and power.
Not only is this the first comprehensive history of gold, at its heart, the book argues that gold keeps society honest by curbing government overspending as well as economic inflation, since we cannot create more of it.
Dominic Frisby is 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 world's top financial reads. He’s delivered a slew of "lectures with funny bits” on everything from taxation to mining, as well as hosted two financial comedy shows for BBC Radio 4. His previous books published in the UK—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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”Dominic Frisby’s writings about economics and finance are, like his comedy, intelligent, beautifully crafted and always ahead of the curve. The Secret History of Gold is well-informed, utterly coherent and very, VERY timely.” Liam Halligan, The Telegraph
"Possibly the best-timed book ever.” Merryn Somerset Web, Bloomberg News
"It doesn’t just tell you about gold – it makes you feel its weight through history. It’s just so interesting." Toby Young, The Spectator
"Well-researched and razor-sharp. Written with passion, principle - and the occasional punchline.” Al Murray, comedian and historian
“My most trusted source of information for anything to do with gold.” Konstantin Kisin, Triggernometry
"Written with both insight and Dominic’s signature humour, this is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the lengths human beings will go to for the promise of riches.” Rory Sutherland, author of Alchemy and vice chairman of Ogilvy
"A fabulous, fascinating, fantastical tale, told with panache by a superb taleteller.” Matt Ridley, author of How Innovation Works
”Understand the history of gold, and you start to see what politicians and central banks would rather you didn’t. Dominic reveals all with clarity and force.” Rob Dix, author of The Price of Money
“This delightful book is a most insightful and enjoyable romp through history and a well-researched, educational tour de force.” James Turk, author of The Money Bubble
"A brilliant, highly readable guide to the most alluring material of all.” Luke Johnson, investor and entrepeneur
