The Secret History of Gold: Myth, Money, Politics, and Power

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.

Author: Dominic Frisby
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Published: 05/05/2026
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 9.10h x 5.90w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9798897100996


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2026
Booklist 02/01/2026
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001

About the Author
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.