One man's ambitious journey into the heart of California's gold country becomes a pursuit for limitless wealth in the face of devastating ruin At the height of California's Gold Rush, men left everything behind for the chance at striking it rich. Now, some thirty years after its peak, gold fever still entices adventurous Easterners like James Macklin Chance to the western frontier. A wanderer and a nobody, James is drawn to California by the dream of lasting wealth-a dream so powerful he'll stop at nothing to see it through. In the enthralling style that has led millions to love his work, John Jakes captures the ambition and energy of California's pioneers. This ebook features an illustrated biography of John Jakes including rare images from the author's personal collection.