The Furnace of Gold   By: Philip Verrill Mighels (1869-1911)

In "The Furnace of Gold" by Philip Verrill Mighels, readers are instantly transported to the rugged and vibrant landscape of the American West during the gold rush era. Set against this backdrop, Mighels paints a vivid picture of a tumultuous and arduous journey towards wealth and self-discovery.

The story primarily revolves around the central character, Jack Crewe, a young and ambitious prospector with dreams of striking it rich. Mighels skillfully portrays Jack's relentless pursuit of gold, capturing the essence of his unyielding determination and the sacrifices he is willing to make in order to achieve his goals.

The author's descriptive prose allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the detailed descriptions of the treacherous journey and the grueling conditions that these fortune hunters faced. Mighels effortlessly evokes the harshness of the landscape and the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by individuals haunted by the allure of wealth.

What truly sets "The Furnace of Gold" apart from other novels in the genre is the depth and richness of its characters. Each individual is meticulously crafted, displaying a myriad of complexities and motivations. The supporting cast adds depth to the story, with their own personal struggles and triumphs intertwining with Jack's journey. The relationships formed along the way are equally engaging, as Mighels explores the bonds of loyalty, friendship, and even love.

Furthermore, the themes explored throughout the narrative resonate with readers on a profound level. The pursuit of wealth and success is a universal concept that transcends time and place, and Mighels taps into this theme with remarkable insight. He delves into the human psyche, examining the transformative power of the pursuit of a dream, and the toll it can take on one's moral compass.

However, as much as "The Furnace of Gold" excels in its characterization and exploration of human nature, the pacing suffers at times. There are instances where the story loses its momentum, with scenes that seem somewhat superfluous and do little to advance the plot. While these moments are minor setbacks, they do slightly detract from the overall reading experience.

In conclusion, "The Furnace of Gold" by Philip Verrill Mighels is a captivating historical novel that effortlessly transports readers to the daunting landscape of the gold rush era. With its richly drawn characters and thought-provoking themes, it offers a profound exploration of the pursuit of wealth and its impact on the human spirit. Despite occasional pacing issues, Mighels' storytelling prowess shines through, making this an engaging and worthwhile read for fans of historical fiction.

First Page:

I. PRINCE OR BANDIT II. INTO THE MOUNTAINS III. A RESCUE IV. CONGENIAL COMPANY V. VAN'S PARTNERS VI. THE BATTLE VII. AN EXCHANGE OF QUESTIONS VIII. A NIGHT'S EXPENSES IX. PROGRESS AND SALT X. THE LAUGHING WATER CLAIM XI. ALGY STIRS UP TROUBLE XII. BOSTWICK LOSES GROUND XIII. A COMBINATION OF FORCES XIV. MOVING A SHACK XV. HATCHING A PLOT XVI. INVOLVING BETH XVII. UNEXPECTED COMPLICATIONS XVIII. WHEREIN MATTERS THICKEN XIX. VAN AND BETH AND BOSTWICK XX. QUEENIE XXI. IN THE SHADOW OF THE ROPE XXII. TWO MEETINGS AFTER DARK XXIII. BETH'S DESPERATION XXIV. A BLIZZARD OF DUST XXV. A TIMELY DELIVERANCE XXVI. THE NIGHT IN THE DESERT XXVII. TALL STORIES XXVIII. WORK AND SONG XXIX. SUSPICIOUS ANSWERS XXX. BETH'S ONE EXPEDIENT XXXI. McCOPPET BUSIES HIS MIND XXXII... Continue reading book >>