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

The Golden Butterfly is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Besant, Walter (1836–1901); Rice, James (1843–1882).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Golden Butterfly" by Walter Besant and James Rice is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds primarily in California during a time when the gold rush is in decline, focusing on the lives of a few central characters as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of this transformed landscape. The opening hints at a blend of adventure and reflective themes, particularly showcasing youth and ambition through its protagonists. The beginning of "The Golden Butterfly" introduces readers to two main characters, Captain Thomas Ladds and the younger Jack Dunquerque, who are on a leisurely ride through California's wild terrain. Their jovial banter hints at a deeper sense of adventure and provokes discussions about their encounters with the landscape and the people in it. As they travel, they witness a man being pursued by a bear, which culminates in a dramatic moment when Ladds and Dunquerque intervene, revealing their hunting skills. This encounter sets the stage for their journey, suggesting themes of bravery and the unpredictability of nature, while also hinting at the comradery and complexities of their relationship. Their eventual arrival at the deserted Empire City offers a melancholic contrast to the excitement of the chase, setting up a narrative filled with exploration and unexpected revelations as they delve into a place once vibrant with life now turned to ghostly remnants of the past.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Golden Butterfly
- Author credits: Besant, Walter (1836–1901); Rice, James (1843–1882)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- English fiction -- 19th century
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.


