This book tells the story of precious gold, created when stars explode, mined in Ancient Egypt, made into a mummy mask and buried with a king.

But the tomb is robbed, the mask is stolen and made into something new... And so the gold changes hands and changes shape as centuries pass. It's a prize at the Colosseum in Rome, a gift for Queen Elizabeth I at Nonesuch Palace, counterfeit coins in a sea captain's chest, a toothpick holder at Versailles, gold buttons on a waistcoat bound for Australia, and a necklace in modern New York.

Stephen Biesty's richly detailed illustrations and Meredith Hooper's resonant text together tell the awe-inspiring story of the gold and its owners, of hopes and dreams, courage and deceit, romance and adventure.

There are 48 pages in this book. This book was published 2005 by Hachette Children's Group .

Stephen Biesty (Author) Stephen Biesty has been illustrating since 1985. He has won several prestigious awards, including the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award (1993) and the UK Literary Association Children's Book Award (2005). He is the author the best-selling Giant Vehicles and To the Rescue.