"Sparkling debut from adventuresome journalist...who traveled the world to tell the dirty, glorious and sometime bloody story of diamonds" (Kirkus, starred)."Still want a diamond? Before laying out your cash, Zoelnner advises that you first understand its origins. . . . An informative book that's equal parts history and travelogue." -Rocky Mountain NewsAn American Library Association Notable BookWhen he proposed to his girlfriend, Tom Zoellner gave what is expected of every American man-a diamond engagement ring. But when the relationship broke apart, he was left with a used diamond that began to haunt him. His obsession carried him around the globe: from the "blood diamond" rings of Africa; to the sweltering polishing factories of India; to mines above the Arctic Circle; to illegal diggings in Brazil; to the London headquarters of De Beers, the secretive global colossus that has dominated the industry for more than a century and permanently carved the phrase "A diamond is forever" on the psyche. An adventure story in the tradition of Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief, The Heartless Stone is a voyage into the cold heart of the world's most unyielding gem. "Exhaustively researched and beautifully written." -The Atlanta Journal-Constitution"Zoellner has an eye for the telling detail, a nose for trouble, and an ability to quickly re-create a scene's mood and sense of place. Wherever he is, he puts you there. . . . A graceful, well-documented tour through decades of diamond-related lore." -Salon.com"An illuminating exposé of a mineral and an industry." -The Wall Street Journal"[A] dazzling display of intrepid reporting." -Entertainment Weekly
"Sparkling debut from adventuresome journalist...who traveled the world to tell the dirty, glorious and sometime bloody story of diamonds" (Kirkus, starred)."Still want a diamond? Before laying out your cash, Zoelnner advises that you first understand its origins. . . . An informative book that's equal parts history and travelogue." -Rocky Mountain NewsAn American Library Association Notable BookWhen he proposed to his girlfriend, Tom Zoellner gave what is expected of every American man-a diamond engagement ring. But when the relationship broke apart, he was left with a used diamond that began to haunt him. His obsession carried him around the globe: from the "blood diamond" rings of Africa; to the sweltering polishing factories of India; to mines above the Arctic Circle; to illegal diggings in Brazil; to the London headquarters of De Beers, the secretive global colossus that has dominated the industry for more than a century and permanently carved the phrase "A diamond is forever" on the psyche. An adventure story in the tradition of Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief, The Heartless Stone is a voyage into the cold heart of the world's most unyielding gem. "Exhaustively researched and beautifully written." -The Atlanta Journal-Constitution"Zoellner has an eye for the telling detail, a nose for trouble, and an ability to quickly re-create a scene's mood and sense of place. Wherever he is, he puts you there. . . . A graceful, well-documented tour through decades of diamond-related lore." -Salon.com"An illuminating exposé of a mineral and an industry." -The Wall Street Journal"[A] dazzling display of intrepid reporting." -Entertainment Weekly
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