"One of the funniest science popularizers in the Spanish-speaking community."
- J. M. Mulet, the author of Tomatoes with Genes

"This book will appeal to all lovers of good work and teach them something about science. It is a curious book that is endearing from the first page."
- Francisco R. Villatoro, the author of La ciencia de la mula Francis

"As I read each of Alejandro's books, it strikes me that this is his best work yet. ... In short, the magnum opus."
- Dani Torregrosa

"Navarro is able to make the most esoteric things accessible. In this way, it nibbles away at different historical moments and scientific milestones chapter by chapter, at one’s own sweet will. Undoubtedly, this is a book worthy of savoring."
- Sergio Parra, Xatakaciencia

★Fanatically worshipped for tens of thousands of years of history, gold has long been a substance that transcends races, cultures, and even another substance that rules the world. Alejandro Navarro, a renowned chemist and scientist, will take you on a journey in this book to demystify the fascination of this ancient precious metal!

Did you know that the oldest gold in the world was not found in Egypt or Mesopotamia, nor in China or India? Did you know that human ancestors were digging gold out of the ground by the end of 3,000 B.C.? Did you know about its strange chemical properties, or why we choose to measure the value of things by it?

Renowned chemist and science popularizer Alejandro Navarro takes us on an exciting journey in search of the most coveted treasure of all: Gold. From its mysterious origins to its undisputed impact on the world economy, Navarro immerses you in a journey of discovery into the history and properties of this precious metal. Throughout the book, you'll meet a diverse cast of characters: kings and emperors, ancient pirates and modern entrepreneurs, visionary alchemists and daring swindlers who couldn't resist gold's tantalizing glow.

Where does all this attraction come from? Well, when you finish the book, to paraphrase Sam Spade, the famous detective protagonist of The Maltese Falcon, you may come to the conclusion that "Maybe gold isn't made of protons and neutrons, but of dreams after all".

Alejandro Navarro Yáñez
Born in Madrid in 1961, he holds a PhD in Economics and Business Studies and is a biochemist. For more than twenty years he has worked as an international manager for multinational companies in the field of oil and renewable energies, and is currently a university lecturer and specialist in corporate organization. As a professional researcher and popularizer of the history of science, he specializes in ancient science and technology, especially in areas related to chemistry. He is a regular contributor to a variety of media and is represented by The Scientist Who Defeated Hitler, The History of Science, The Secrets of Prometheus, The Table of the Elements, Matt's Pirates, The Quest for Extraterrestrial Life, Immortal Science, The History of Entomology and The History of Energy.