One sentence summary:
The non-fiction book ‘Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea’ by Gary Kinder follows the journey of the SS Central America as it sinks and the efforts to recover its lost treasure decades later.
Book genre:
Non-fiction, history, adventure, maritime.
Main topic of the book:
The main topic of the book is the story of the SS Central America, a steamer ship that sunk off the coast of South Carolina in 1857 with a large amount of gold on board. The book also explores the lives of the passengers and crew on board, the efforts to recover the lost treasure, and the impact of the ship’s sinking on the gold market and the US economy.
Key ideas:
- The history of the SS Central America and its voyage to California during the Gold Rush era.
- The sinking of the ship and the loss of over 400 passengers and crew, as well as approximately 21 tons of gold.
- The search and recovery efforts of Tommy Thompson, a pioneering deep-sea treasure hunter, and his crew decades later.
- The impact of the SS Central America’s sinking on the economy and the political landscape of the United States.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Part 1: The Voyage: This section covers the voyage of the SS Central America and the lives of the passengers and crew on board. It also delves into the background of the gold rush and the economic and social climate of America at the time.
- Part 2: The Storm: The second part of the book covers the sinking of the ship and the harrowing experiences of the survivors. It also discusses the impact of the ship’s loss on the gold market and the US economy.
- Part 3: The Search: In this section, the focus shifts to the efforts to locate and recover the lost gold from the SS Central America. It follows the journey of Tommy Thompson and his crew as they work to overcome technological and financial challenges in their search.
- Part 4: The Return: The final part of the book details the discovery and retrieval of the treasure from the SS Central America. It also explores the legal issues and controversies surrounding the recovery of the gold, as well as the impact it had on the lives of those involved.
Key takeaways:
- The SS Central America was a significant ship during the Gold Rush era, connecting the East and West coast of the United States.
- The sinking of the ship had a major impact on the gold market and the US economy, with many individuals and businesses suffering financial losses.
- The discovery and retrieval of the lost treasure decades later brought closure to the families of the passengers and crew, and shed light on the technological advancements in deep-sea exploration.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Gary Kinder is an American author, lawyer, and academic. He has written several non-fiction books, including ‘Victim: The Other Side of Murder’ and ‘Light Years: An Investigation into the Extraterrestrial Experiences of Eduard Meier’. With a background in law, Kinder brings a meticulous and detail-oriented approach to his writing, gathering extensive research and interviews to present a comprehensive and engaging narrative.
Target audience:
This book would appeal to a wide audience, including history enthusiasts, lovers of adventure and exploration, and anyone interested in maritime disasters or treasure hunting. It may also be of interest to those interested in the economic and political impact of a historical event.
Publisher and first publication date:
The ‘Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea’ was published by Atlantic Monthly Press in 1998.