Gold Fever: Incredible Tales of the Klondike Gold Rush

by Rich Mole

In 1897, tens of thousands of would-be prospectors flooded into the Yukon in search of instant wealth during the Klondike Gold Rush. In this historical tale of mayhem and obsession, characters like prospectors George Carmack and Skookum Jim, Skagway gangster Soapy Smith and Mountie Sam Steele come to life. Enduring savage weather, unforgiving terrain, violence and starvation, a lucky few made their fortune, and some just as quickly lost it. The lure of the North is still irresistible in this exciting account of a fabled era of Canadian history.

Genres: Canada

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2006

Reviews

[Taveri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read of the fascinating story of the Klondike Gold Rush where over a hundred thousand people tried to reach Dawson City in the late 1890s. I was amazing that some 30,000 made it (not all at once) but few struck it rich after the intial claims. Dawson City was (briefly) the biggest town north of Seattle and west of Winnipeg. The hardships were incredible and many gave up after reaching the Chilkoot Pass. Skagway became a lawless town enroute to the Klondike.

The books follows dozens of characters giving a peasonal persective of those times and what they endured. It was fascinating that early word of the riches didn't stir the imagination but by the time the first prospectors reached Seattle by boat with their gold the wharves were full of people wanting to be the next ones to travel north. It was the end of the gay nineties and there was a depression; still it is hard to fathom people giving up everything to stand in line to cross over busy mountain passes having to carry up one year's supply of goods to be allowed in.

Three and a half stars rounded up to four stars because it kept me entranced. For a quick read including maps of the different routes >
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klond...

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's the second book that I bought while visiting Banff and Jasper National Parks. It is the same idea, a collection of short stories/accounts of the life in Yukon at the end of the 19th Century, with particular emphasis on the challenges prospectors faced during the short but spectacular Klondike Gold rush ("the gold diggers" and their stories of success or failure).

Some of the characters one reads of in here are also found in the other book I've read on Western Canada and its development during the second half of the 19th Century: Police Constable (now Superintendent) Sam Steele (NWMP) or William Ogilvie (the Government land surveyor turned Commissioner), the incorruptible Civil servants that brought honor on the young nation through their work at the frontier.

Not really a literal achievement, the value of these short stories is mostly documentary, providing witness for times long gone. In that sense, 2 *s is to be seen as worth reading to know a thing or two (more) about those days out there in the unforgiving North. But don't expect some literary wonder. Cuz it ain't gonna happen.

[Aron Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book

The author related very interesting facts and time lines regarding the people and events of the Klondike gold rush of the late 1800s and early 1900s. I found it interesting, educational, and a very enjoyable read.