'A great read and a fascinating insight into performance.' Sir Clive Woodward We all want to discover our hidden talents and make an impact with them. But how? Rasmus Ankersen, an ex-footballer and performance specialist, quit his job and for six intense months lived with the world's best athletes in an attempt to answer this question. Why have the best middle distance runners grown up in the same Ethiopian village? Why are the leading female golfers from South Korea? How did one athletic club in Kingston, Jamaica, succeed in producing so many world-class sprinters? Ankersen presents his surprising conclusions in seven lessons on how anyone - or any business, organisation or team - can defy the many misconceptions of high performance and learn to build their own gold mine of real talent.
Edward Gould Buffum (1820-1867), a New York journalist, came to California as an officer in the 7th Regiment of N.Y. Volunteers during the Mexican War. He stayed on to seek gold and edit a California newspaper before returning east to become Paris correspondent of the New York Herald. Six months in the gold mines (1850) is Buffum's vivid account of his regiment's voyage west in 1846 to help secure California for the United States. He describes his discharge from the army in Monterey and his subsequent adventures as a gold seeker, sailing up the Sacramento to reach the Sierra Nevadas above Sutter's Fort. He describes prospecting along the Bear and Yuba Rivers, Weber Creek, and Middle and South Forks of the American River, Foster's Bar, and Weaver's Creek, 1848-1849. He concludes with the story of his work for Alta California in San Francisco and the growth of San Francisco.
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Rod Ironsides, ambitious and hard-living mining expert, knows that the general managership of the Sonder Ditch gold mine is the chance of a lifetime. But the price of unquestioning obedience to the coldly obsessive genius of Dr Manfred Steyner proves impossible to pay. Both men are but unwitting tools of powerful people - for whom the control of a gold mine is only part of the realization of dreams and ambitions which include the destruction of the very mine itself...
Welcome to the gripping world of E. Gould Buffum's "Six Months in the Gold Mines," where adventure meets historical exploration amidst the untamed landscapes of Upper and Lower California in the late 1840s. Prepare to be enthralled by this riveting account of the California Gold Rush, as seen through the eyes of a passionate observer and participant. Join E. Gould Buffum on an exhilarating journey through the heart of the California Gold Rush, where he vividly recounts his three-year residence during the years 1847-1849. Experience the highs and lows of life in the gold mines, from the thrill of discovery to the challenges of survival in a rugged and often unforgiving environment. Buffum's narrative is rich with detail, offering profound insights into the human condition and the indomitable spirit of those who sought fortune in the gold mines. Through engaging character development and compelling plot points, he brings to life the diverse cast of individuals he encountered, each with their unique dreams, struggles, and triumphs. The themes of ambition, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of success are expertly woven throughout the story, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the era's social and economic dynamics. Buffum's keen observations and eloquent prose invite readers to reflect on the broader implications of the Gold Rush and its lasting impact on American history. With its vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling, "Six Months in the Gold Mines" sets a tone of adventure and discovery that keeps readers eagerly turning pages. From the bustling mining camps to the serene beauty of California's wilderness, Buffum paints a vivid portrait of a bygone era filled with excitement and challenge. Since its publication, "Six Months in the Gold Mines" has received acclaim for its authentic depiction of the Gold Rush and its compelling narrative. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a pivotal moment in history, offering timeless insights and universal truths that resonate across generations. As you delve into Buffum's world, you'll find yourself drawn to its vibrant characters, thought-provoking themes, and engaging storytelling. His meticulous attention to detail and his ability to craft a powerful narrative make this memoir a cherished read for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. In conclusion, "Six Months in the Gold Mines" is more than just a historical account—it's a timeless exploration of human ambition, resilience, and the quest for prosperity that continues to captivate readers with its richly drawn characters and profound insights. Whether you're a history buff or discovering this classic for the first time, prepare to be swept away by the magic of E. Gould Buffum's enduring narrative. Don't miss your chance to experience the excitement and intrigue of the California Gold Rush. Let "Six Months in the Gold Mines" transport you to a world of adventure, perseverance, and historical discovery. Grab your copy now and join the legions of readers who have been captivated by Buffum's literary brilliance.
A Financial Times Best History Book of the Year A surprising account of frontier law that challenges the image of the Wild West. In the absence of state authority, Gold Rush miners crafted effective government by the people—but not for all the people. Gold Rush California was a frontier on steroids: 1,500 miles from the nearest state, it had a constantly fluctuating population and no formal government. A hundred thousand single men came to the new territory from every corner of the nation with the sole aim of striking it rich and then returning home. The circumstances were ripe for chaos, but as Andrea McDowell shows, this new frontier was not nearly as wild as one would presume. Miners turned out to be experts at self-government, bringing about a flowering of American-style democracy—with all its promises and deficiencies. The Americans in California organized and ran meetings with an efficiency and attention to detail that amazed foreign observers. Hundreds of strangers met to adopt mining codes, decide claim disputes, run large-scale mining projects, and resist the dominance of companies financed by outside capital. Most notably, they held criminal trials on their own authority. But, mirroring the societies back east from which they came, frontiersmen drew the boundaries of their legal regime in racial terms. The ruling majority expelled foreign miners from the diggings and allowed their countrymen to massacre the local Native Americans. And as the new state of California consolidated, miners refused to surrender their self-endowed authority to make rules and execute criminals, presaging the don’t-tread-on-me attitudes of much of the contemporary American west. In We the Miners, Gold Rush California offers a well-documented test case of democratic self-government, illustrating how frontiersmen used meetings and the rules of parliamentary procedure to take the place of the state.
