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The Secret History of Gold

Myth, Money, Politics and Power

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The Secret History of Gold

By: Dominic Frisby
Narrated by: Dominic Frisby
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Gold (noun): A precious, yellow metal, prized for its beauty. Inert, immune to corrosion, highly malleable though with little utility. Seen as pure wealth.

The definitive biography of the metal that has shaped our world – and may yet determine its fate.

The Secret History of Gold tells the epic tale of the world’s oldest, and most treasured, currency. From its origins in the formation of the solar system to its pivotal role in both ancient myth and modern finance, Dominic Frisby explores, with wit and brevity, how gold has defined the entire course of human civilisation.

Gold has inspired men to do the most brilliant – and terrible – things. The most stolen metal in history, it has lured explorers, conquerors and thieves. It has sparked wars, it has built empires, it has empowered leaders – from Alexander the Great to Adolf Hitler – good and bad. As nations today such as China and Russia mine and hoard gold at record rates, Frisby examines its enduring significance in the digital age and its potential to influence global peace and power.

This is the untold story of gold: its past, its present and its future.

© Dominic Frisby 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

 Economic History Economics Forecasting & Strategic Planning Future Studies Management & Leadership Social Sciences World War Imperialism Military Ancient History Latin American Russia Capitalism

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Critic reviews

For anything and everything to do with gold, my most trusted source of information is Dominic Frisby (Konstantin Kisin)
With both insight and his signature humour, Dominic Frisby tells the story of this extraordinary metal that has shaped empires and sparked madness. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the lengths human beings will go to for the promise of riches (Rory Sutherland, author of ALCHEMY and Vice Chairman of Ogilvy)
The Secret History of Gold is a fabulous, fascinating, fantastical tale, told with panache by a superb taleteller about humanity's obsession with an eternal, imperishable, glittering metal (Matt Ridley, author of HOW INNOVATION WORKS)
Dominic Frisby’s writings about economics and finance are, like his comedy, intelligent, beautifully crafted and always ahead of the curve. The Secret History of Gold is well-informed, utterly coherent and very, VERY timely (Liam Halligan)
This book doesn’t just tell you about gold – it makes you feel its weight through history. It’s just so interesting. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true currency of civilisation (Toby Young)
A well-researched and razor-sharp history of the eternal mystery of gold: its value, its cost and its hold over human affairs – written with passion, principle and the occasional punchline (Al Murray, comedian and historian)
Possibly the best-timed book ever. As we move into our era of unsustainable debt all the big question about what money is and how it should be governed are coming to the fore again. Frisby’s sharp but straightforward analysis is a must read in a time when trust in everything else is diminishing (Merryn Somerset Webb)
Understand the history of gold, and you start to see what politicians and central banks would rather you didn’t: how easy money enables wars, and how decades of monetary manipulation have quietly chipped away at living standards. Drifting ever further from gold as the anchor of the monetary system has led to many of the economic and political problems we’re living with today – as Dominic reveals with clarity and force (Rob Dix, author of THE PRICE OF MONEY)
With impeccable timing, Dominic Frisby has written a brilliant guide to the eternal metal. Given that the price of gold is reaching all-time highs, gold fever is clearly in the air. And as trust in many other forms of wealth declines, now seems an excellent moment to discover the attractions and technicalities of gold. This book is a highly readable introduction to the most alluring material of all (Luke Johnson, investor and entrepreneur)
Frisby entertains, impressively and convincingly … As a history, his tales – whether topical, historical or mythological – are well-turned, comprehensive and occasionally surprising ... a colourful and sly adversary to contemporary financial and political pieties (Simon Ings)
All stars
Most relevant
As a bit of a gold enthusiast myself this book was incredible. I was upset when it ended and I will probably listen again.

good as gold

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Very impressively written short history of gold with good views from the author - highly recommended

Really cool to hear a timeline of Gold

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Dominic has now completed his trilogy of three important financial issues of the 21st century - bitcoin, taxes and now gold.

He explains clearly why it has value, the history of gold from ancient history to today, why it still has an important role to play in a modern economy and why all investors should own some.

I now own gold which I started purchasing in 2022 - if only I had purchased more and sooner when I started saving 40 years ago but c’est-la-vie.

Whether you buy physical gold, a gold ETF, some jewellery for loved one or a gold mining share start saving in gold today - you won’t regret it in these turbulent times.

A clear history of gold and why we value it

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In these days of everything being digital, it is good to be reminded that gold is still at the heart of everything! Beautifully written and full of fascinating facts about golds impact our civilisation. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to protect their wealth from the meddling hands of central banks and overspending governments!

A golden history of this most important metal

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Fantastic book, very easy to read but lots of information. There is also some brilliant stories from history. The author does have a chapter where he doesn’t hold back on his views but he not sneaking that in he does tell you that.

Amazing book, must read

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