Presents an unusual storybook approach to describe an imagined adventure in the California Gold Rush between 1849 and 1851. Includes illustrations with instructions on how to leave home, how to remain calm in danger, how to mine for gold, and how to return home with your head held high and with joy seeing your family and home sweet home.

"Neither the particulars of Mr. Hartley's journey, nor in fact the existence of Mr. Hartley himself, can be verified by independent means"--Editor's note. "Includes practical advice regarding the terrible dangers of living in a frontier land; contains scenes and incidents of a prospector's voyage (yours truly, T. Hartley) through the gold fields; with maps of the routes to those lands; and sketches of the exotic and occasionally famous characters encountered along the way; not to mention essential information regarding equipment and supplies needed to dig for gold.".