Rodman W. Paul (1912–1987)

This is a survey of the mining activities in the Far West during that time period, from the California gold rush through the Black Hills rush. It describes the challenges in mining and processing the precious metals from the early placer work through the deep drift mining later in the period. It also discusses the social aspect of these "rushes" regarding the mining camps, ghost towns and the eventual establishment of more permanent settlements. It is not an anecdotal history by any means, there are little references to individuals, rather it is a high level look at how the settling of the west was greatly influenced by the mining activities.… (more)

What makes this Yale Professor Rodman's book so classic is the reference footnotes to 19th century newspapers and other documents, showing superb scholarship in the post-WWII period when it was written. This isn't just a romantic history, the details of mining methods and economics over years, often presented in charts, is excellent. The index in back is complete. I first read this text as beat up 3rd 1967 reprint sold used for $3.50, but I realized the value and bought a First Edition hardbound copy. This is a must have in the California History or Western Mining History Library.… (more)