Chasing gold
Subtitle: the incredible story of how the Nazis stole Europe's bullion
By: George M. Taber
Edition: First Pegasus Books cloth edition.
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Number of pages: 527
ISBN-13: 9781605986555
Subjects: World War, 1939-1945; Confiscations and contributions; Destruction and pillage; Gold; History
Description: For the entire history of human civilization, gold has enraptured people around the globe. The Nazis were no less enthralled by it and felt gold was the solution to funding Hitler's war machine. Gold was also on the mind of FDR across the Atlantic, as he worked with Europe's other leaders to bring the United States and the rest of the world out of a severe depression. FDR was hardly the first head of state to turn to gold in difficult times. Throughout history, it has been the refuge of both nations and people in trouble, working at times when nothing else does. Desperate people can buy a loaf of bread or bribe a border guard. Gold can get desperate nations oil to keep tanks running or munitions to fight a war. If the price is right, there is always someone somewhere willing to buy or sell gold. And it was to become the Nazi's most important medium of exchange during the war. Chasing Gold is the story of how the Nazis attempted to grab Europe's gold to finance history's bloodiest war. It is filled with high drama and close escapes, laying bare the palate of human emotions. Walking through the tale are giants of world history, as well as ordinary people called upon to undertake heroic action in an extraordinary time.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 446-496) and index.