Gold: A Cultural Encyclopedia

(Hardback)

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Description

This encyclopedia provides detailed information about the historical, cultural, social, religious, economic, and scientific significance of gold, across the globe and throughout history. Gold has been an intrinsic part of human culture and society throughout the world, both in ancient times and in the modern era. This precious metal has also played a central role in economics and politics throughout history. In fact, the value of gold remains a topic of debate amid the current upheavals of economic conditions and attendant reevaluations of modern financial principles. Gold: A Cultural Encyclopedia consists of more than 130 entries that encompass every aspect of gold, ranging from the ancient metallurgical arts to contemporary economies. The connections between these interdisciplinary subjects are explored and analyzed to highlight the many ways humankind's fascination with gold reflects historical, cultural, economic, and geographic developments. While the majority of the works related to gold focus on economic theory, this text goes beyond that to take a more sociocultural approach to the subject.

Reviews

Overall I found this both an informative and often entertaining work on a less usual subject for an encyclopedia. It will be a useful resource, certainly in school, college, and undergraduate collections and for the general reader. * Reference Reviews *
With the current price of gold hitting relative highs, this AZ encyclopedia is as timely as it is involving. . . . Designed for both the researcher and the general reader, Gold serves both audiences equally well. Though reference works exist on specific aspects of the use of gold, this general treatment is unique and suitable for both public and college and university libraries. * Booklist *
Intriguing, surprisingly addictive, and quite likely the only reference work on this topic. Appropriate for larger public and academic libraries and where there is a need/interest * Library Journal *

Author Bio

Shannon L. Venable, veteran writer and educator, is an authority on the economic and social implications of luxury and wealth.