Gold has held an historical allure since the beginning of recorded history. People are willing to go to great lengths in order to obtain what they see as financial security, and gold can seem like a very safe bet. The allure of gold can defy common sense, and, in many cases, it appeals to unsophisticated investors who are driven by fear. Like the prospectors before them, many today are willing to invest in something they know little about, and the results can be dire. The market for gold can be vicious and slick; it is filled with fear-based marketing campaigns. What is needed is a guide, an honest examination of the history and the current market for gold. This book is that guide.