An interdisciplinary and global approach to the different roles and impact of gold on society and the global economy from the late 19th century to the modern day.

This book provides a historical analysis that integrates the different roles of gold-monetary, commodity, banking, industrial and cultural-with the multiple actors- central banks, mining groups, refineries, bullion houses and major banks - to provide an understanding of their particular interests and reciprocal influence on the global gold market from the late 19th century to the present day. Adopting an inter-disciplinary and global approach, it establishes an innovative and rich dialogue between different branches of the social sciences, including microeconomics, business history, sociology, political and economic history.

Coverage of the book will include a comprehensive overview of the many facets of the global gold market's organization, from the extraction of this precious metal to its consumption. Special attention is given to some of the major international gold markets, such as London, Hong Kong, and Zurich, and to the national and global regulations regarding the gold trade. The book studies both the legal and illegal circuits of gold, as well as their interrelation. Together, the contributions show the complex networks and actors involved in different phases of this commodity chain, from the main gold producers, such as South Africa; to the major European financial markets; and then to the traditional Arab and Asiatic hoarding centres.

This collection of essays, most of which utilise new archival resources, will be of great interest to students and researchers examining the role of this key element in monetary, financial, political and social history.