The World Rushed In: The California Gold Rush Experience Paperback – December 9, 2002

This is a great book, written by a wonderful author who obviously was dedicated to painstaking research and authenticity. I recently saw J.S. Holiday on a TV show about the West, and then later was so sorry to hear of his passing in 2006. It may seem a bit obscure, but in some ways, Mr. Holiday's writing in this book reminded me of Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove" in the way it made me believe that what he wrote described how things really were back then. I highly recommend "The World Rushed In..." to all who are interested in Western U.S. history.

What a fascinating and compelling book! I had a hard time putting it down. I've always been curious about the journey that the emigrants made out to California, and this book answered so many of my questions. I'm thankful that such a great work of scholarship exists, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about the lives of the 49'ers.

OK I like weird stuff so a book of 1850 correspondence between a Gold miner and his family may not be everyones cup of tea. But if you are interested in where the miners mined; what "dry diggings" are or placer mining or what the prices or living conditions were in the camps this is well written. It just isn't something that flies off the shelf.

I just recently started reading "The World Rushed in" and am only half way thru the book. So far I find it very interesting reading about early life.

I read this book in early 8o's and recommended it to my daughter not realizing that I had given it to a friend years before. Therefore, the reorder sent to her! See has read the first few chapters and enjoying much!

Its a great book so far - loving it! Really gives perspective on the enthusiasm of the times and perspective historically.

Best bit of History! The footnotes take a bit more time.Loved it.

This a great study of the subject, highly suitable for students of history, teachers and anyone with a specialized interest in the subject. It provides a wealth of detail on the state of America at the time of the gold rush along with a diary from the gold rush era studiously put into context with events taking place elsewhere..