The great diamond hoax : $b and other stirring incidents in the life of Asbury Harpending

"The Great Diamond Hoax and Other Stirring Incidents in the Life of Asbury Harpending" edited by James H. Wilkins, tells the story of Asbury Harpending and the twists and turns of his life, particularly his involvement in a famous diamond swindle in the 1870's. The book starts with Harpending wanting to set the record straight about his part in the diamond hoax. His story shows his adventurous early years after he ran off to California looking for riches, plus the events and relationships he encountered that affected his life. It's a story that highlights themes of luck, bad luck, and the rush of the American frontier.