Gold, the first metal used by man, has a special place among metals. It plays an important role in society and in world economics. It caused unprecedented mass migrations on three continents, and at least one war. It was responsible for creating many large cities, is highly prized, has been the inspiration of numerous myths, was the ultimate goal of alchemists, stored in the vaults of banks, widely on display in oriental bazaars, and is generously used in decorating churches and temples. The present volume is composed of two parts: a collection of selected papers published by the author on the history and extractive metallurgy of gold and are reproduced here in facsimile edition [116 pages]. The second part is composed of chapters specially written for this volume which include topics on the history of gold in ancient civilizations, history of assaying, history of amalgamation, gold refining, as well as other topics that are generally neglected by metallurgists, such as Gold Rushes, Golden Fleece, gold in coinage, and Gold Museums [140 pages]. It is hoped that these topics will give a new dimension to the metallurgy of gold and a real understanding of its role in society. This collection of articles gives a rapid and fully illustrated review of the history and extractive metallurgy of gold.