Golden Dreams and Leaden Realities: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Golden Dreams and Leaden Realities: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Golden Dreams and Leaden Realities is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Payson, George (1824–1893).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Golden Dreams and Leaden Realities" by Ralph Raven is a narrative novel written in the mid-19th century. This work explores the journey of a group of adventurers headed for California during the Gold Rush, highlighting the contrast between their high expectations and the harsh realities they encounter. The initial chapters introduce a cast of characters, including the protagonist who reflects on his motivations and the wide-eyed dreams of fortune that spur them onward. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for the voyage to California, as the protagonist boards the ship Leucothea, filled with trepidation and excitement amid a cold, dismal send-off. The mood is somber, with passengers like Charley expressing regret over their decision to leave home. As the ship departs, the atmosphere is characterized by sea-sickness and discomfort among the crew and passengers, showcasing their struggle against the elements and their internal fears. The protagonist remains steadfast in his hopes for the wealth that awaits in California, captured by daydreams of success despite the physical and emotional challenges they face during the long and tumultuous journey.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Golden Dreams and Leaden Realities
- Author credits: Payson, George (1824–1893)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- California -- Gold discoveries
- Gold mines and mining -- California
- Payson, George, 1824-1893 -- Travel -- California
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Adventure
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


