To See the Elephant is an inspiring historical novel about Irish emigrant, John Delany, who built a log cabin and hacked a farm from the forest on the Northern Illinois frontier. He and his spunky Irish wife, Bridget, farmed the land and brought nine children into the world. In 1848, when gold was discovered in California, Delany was stricken by gold fever. He dreamed of California's riches for three years before Bridget gave in and agreed that he should seek his fortune. He prospected for gold for four years and participated in or was witness to some of California's most historic events. He returned home poorer than when he left but richer for the experience. This fictional story is based on the true life adventures of John Delany.