The Gold of the Gods
Mysticism Paranormal Non-Fiction UFOlogy Ancient Astronaut Theory Alternative Archaeology New Age Mind Body Spirit
First-edition hardcover of Erich von Däniken’s 1973 blockbuster “The Gold of the Gods,” complete with its original illustrated dust jacket, is the volume that cemented the Swiss writer’s status as the father of the ancient-astronaut theory. In this compulsively readable follow-up to “Chariots of the Gods?,” von Däniken claims to have traced a secret tunnel system beneath Ecuador’s jungles, catalogued glittering artifacts said to be crafted from extraterrestrial metals, and linked them to worldwide myths of “sky gods” who descended from the stars. The book’s black-and-white photographs, maps, and sketches let readers examine the controversial Crespi Collection, the so-called “Metal Library,” and other purported out-of-place artifacts that sparked decades of debate on TV specials, podcasts, and Reddit threads.
For collectors, this first U.K. printing from Souvenir Press is the key edition: it predates later paperbacks and contains the full, unedited text that first stunned readers in 1973. The sturdy hardcover binding and high-quality paper have helped this copy survive in very good condition—pages are crisp, unmarked, and free of the dog-eared corners that plague later mass-market versions. The intact dust jacket showcases the classic gold-foil title treatment that makes the 1st edition instantly recognizable on a shelf of Forteana or New-Age reference works.
Beyond investment value, “The Gold of the Gods” remains a gateway title for anyone curious about alternative archaeology, UFOlogy, or mind-body-spirit mysteries. Teen and adult readers alike find von Däniken’s journalistic style more engaging than academic texts, while hobbyists appreciate the detailed bibliography that points toward deeper research. Whether you’re completing a von Däniken collection, hunting 1970s esoterica, or seeking a conversation-starting reference book, this clean, inscription-free first edition delivers both nostalgic Cold-Wera intrigue and modern search-engine relevance.
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