Heyday: the 1850s and the dawn of the global age

Preface to the American Edition

Introduction: 1851 : Precipice in Time

Part I. Boom : The Age of Gold

1851 : Annus Mirabilis : London

The Hairystocracy : Melbourne

Bonanza : Newfoundland

On the Road : Nebraska

Star of Empire : Minnesota

The Hashish of the West : Kansas

Part II. Faultlines : The Age of Silver

The Ramparts of Freedom

El Presidente : Nicaragua

Tsunami : Yokohama

The Civilising Mission : Hong Kong

Retribution : Lucknow

Part III. News of the World : The Age of Bronze

Empire of News : Fleet Street

Master of Time : New York-London

Best of Times, Worst of Times : Beijing, Turin, Montgomery

Blood, Iron, Cotton, Democracy : Bombay

Epilogue 1873

Chronology of Events.