While the California Gold Rush of 1849 produced numerous firsthand diaries and accounts, Joseph Goldsborough Bruff's was widely regarded as the best and most accurate. Drawing upon this historical document—and including more than 50 of Bruff's original pencil sketches and paintings—Ken Lizzio traces the pioneer's thrilling adventure from the first rumors of gold, through his crossing of the frontier, all the way to his incredible survival and escape to a prosperous life back east.