#39: the great diamond hoax

it was 1871. william ralston had become one of the richest and most powerful men in california, partly on the strength of his shrewd business maneuverings, but largely on the fact that he was an incorrigible gambler, a exemplar of his optimistic age. he lived so largely, and spent so lavishly, on his beloved [...]

SparkleTack | December 17, 2005

Tags:. .powerful. .men. .largely. .become. .california