The Story Behind Gold is a textbook-like publication covering a wide variety of information about gold. While the books lacks a textbook's clear organization and cohesion, each section of the book is diverse and surprising.
The contents speak clearly as to what will be contained in each section, however there is no distinct path leading the reader through the material. While there are section one would expect to find, such as A Short History of Gold, there are random sections entitled Stories and Legends, followed by Treasure for Everyone. One chapter does not clearly transition into another. However, the individual chapters are easier to follow as they have been subtitled.
The illustrations, photos, and maps are helpful and plentiful. There is a wonderful painting of the Inca emperor and a member of Pizarro's expedition holding up a cross. Art like this, while furthering the content of the book, is bound to raise questions. There is also a fabulous black and white photo of Alaskan miners weighing gold that helps define the time and place. Each illustration or photo is accompanied by a caption explaining what is occurring. The book also strives to include information and graphics from around the world. There are photos of miners in South Africa, sarcophagus from Egypt, golden temples in China and the Turkish-born tale of King Midas. Finally, throughout the book are blue boxes, titled, containing additional factoids about gold.
The book hits lightly upon some of the controversy surrounding gold. It states that the Inca emperor, Atahualpa, was murdered for his gold. There are a few pages discussing why communities are against having gold pits dug in their backyards. Noted are incidents of toxins produced by mining that have killed fish and devastated communities. Controversy is also addressed subtly in statements like "Mining companies claim that everyone will benefit from the mines...The companies promise that..." There are also evocative pictures of an open pit in Australia in which the wretched landscape is totally devoid of life. While the book makes sure to include the benefits of gold (it is used in astronauts' helmets, telephones, televisions and medicine) a teacher can provoke an interesting discussion by showing the picture of the South African gold miners, who are undoubtedly living in extreme poverty and working in horrible conditions. Virtue and vice are both represented and done so relatively effectively.
The book also includes a convoluted timeline that is of little help to readers, a glossary, index, and books/websites/places to visit if interested in learning more about glittering gold. ( )