Professor Brands talked about his book, The Age of Gold: The California Gold Rush and the New American Dream, published by Doubleday. In the book, he tells how such notable figures as John and Jessie Fremont, Leland Stanford and George Hearst amassed their fortunes. He explains that fortunes were also lost by hundreds of prospectors. He reveals how the Gold Rush changed the way Americans viewed the Puritan ethic of hard work, and how the gradual accumulation of worldly riches gave way to the desire of instant wealth. Professor Brands answered questions from the audience following his remarks.