“The Conclusion of the Original Peralta Stone Maps: The King’s Royal Treasure.” A TerrySoloman.com Book Review
Author- Mark Clayton; ISBN 978-1-4251-8613-5; Trafford Publishing; 73-pages; 9”x 11” paperback; Full color photographs & illustrations. $24.95
Mark Clayton, takes us on a wild and sometimes confusing ride through the lore surrounding “The Peralta Stone Maps,” found in Arizona by a retired Oregon Highway Patrolman in 1949. Clayton’s book focuses on his search, and if you believe him – the discovery of “the King’s Fifth,” which was 20-percent of all the treasure found or collected in Arizona, by the Conquistadors and the Peralta Family.
I am very familiar with the Superstition Mountains, having hiked and camped there with my Father growing up, in the Boy Scouts, and later as a private guide. Because I know these areas intimately I found the old maps, illustrations and photographs in this book fascinating. The author is a Canadian, mesmerized by Arizona and the Superstition Mountains. He takes us through his personal journey of discovery, starting in 1997. Clayton and his friend flew to Phoenix for a vacation in October, 1997. While there, they met the owner of a gold prospecting shop in Tempe, Dave Ramirez. It was Ramirez that told Clayton about Apache Junction, the Superstition Mountains, and the Peralta Trails. Within a week, Mark and his friend Lori were hooked on the lore - and lure - of the Peralta Maps!
In the book, Clayton chronicles his research, and lays out his theory about the location of what could be one of the largest treasure hoards ever discovered. The problem with this book - for folks that are not familiar with the Peralta Maps and their history, is that Clayton’s ideas and theories are based on endless references to other books and research - done by others. If you have never read these books or papers, you could be left scratching your head while looking at one of Clayton’s photographs of a Spanish trail marker, or monument!
I recommend this book just for the topo maps, historical maps; illustrations and photographs alone! If you are interested in Adolf Ruth; the Peralta family; Spanish Treasure in Arizona; or just hiking the mysterious Superstition Mountains, this book may be for you! Order it online at:
The Conclusion to the Original Peralta Stone Maps: The King's Royal Treasure - Mark Clayton : Trafford Book Store