In the early 19th century, General Sutter leaves his homeland to found New Helvetia in California, get rich, and live in paradise. But when one of his employees strikes gold on his property, he finds himself powerless in the face of the massive gold rush now coming to his land, destroying all the crops he took time and effort into cultivating. Beset by an unfair situation, the General sinks into despair and madness, until his death a few years later. Gold!, formerly translated into over 15 languages, is the true story of General Sutter, made a legend by Cendrars' words.