Handbook to the new Gold-fields

"Handbook to the New Gold-Fields" by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne is a recounting of the mid-1800s gold rush in what is modern-day British Columbia, Canada, and emphasizes the excitement and importance of this event to the people involved and the region's development. The book acts as both a how-to guide for those looking to strike it rich and a discussion of the political and economic factors that made the area so appealing at the time. The narrative begins by describing the mad rush of people to the gold fields, likening it to a crusade due to the shared sense of hope and desperation found in both. The book showcases British Columbia's rich resources and favorable climate and underlines the ease of access and the success of early gold mining activities, giving a clear picture of the activity in the Fraser River area.