The decade produced an incredible group of writers, and the period is made all the more interesting, telling and meaningful as Rathmell presents it in context to the time. Darwin’s The Origins of the Species and Marx and Engels The Communist Manifesto had rattled the senses of self in Europe and was on its way to the United States, colliding with the incredible writers and experiences that came out of the “Bohemian Club.” Rathmell doesn’t even miss that title and its irony.

As definitive as their writings are the lives and acquaintances of Sam Clemens, Rudyard Kipling and so many others. The arc of Robert Louis Stevenson’s experiences are no less enthralling than his writing. Jack London’s rejection slip pile grew and who knows what would have happened and been written had he not met up with George Sterling. A walk through Chinatown into St. Mary’s church and through Quincy Alley unearths moments that allow readers to appreciate “The Bohemian Club” and the many writers more than is imaginable without these lives in context.

After reading Realms of Gold I can honestly say I will look for other books and authors who do such an important service to literature by using research and story-telling to define the times that produce such amazing writers.