City Libraries, City of Gold Coast

Chasing gold, the incredible story of how the Nazis stole Europe's bullion, George M. Taber

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 446-497) and index

platesillustrations

index present

non fiction

Chasing gold

bibliography

George M. Taber

the incredible story of how the Nazis stole Europe's bullion

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

The glitter of gold -- Spanish prelude -- Adolf Hitler's argonaut -- Franklin D. Roosevelt's argonaut -- Hermann Goring grabs control -- The club for central bankers -- Austria becomes the first easy piece -- An inside job against Czechoslovakia -- Mutiny at the Reichsbank -- Poland's long odyssey -- Northern lights go out -- The world's Fort Knox -- Denmark and Norway fall quickly -- Italy crushes Albania -- Holland falls in four days -- Belgium and Luxembourg trust France -- The fall of France -- The Vatican's secret gold -- Escape to Casablanca -- Britain on the brink -- Destination Dakar -- Balkan distractions -- The Soviet Union stares into an abyss -- Melmer gold -- Dragging everything out Italian style -- Partners in gold -- The Allies finally crack down -- Rich discovery in a salt mine -- The Gotterdammerung of gold -- The end of a sordid tale