[FONT=&]First off, I should point out that I’ve done a sick amount of reading since the age of five. The more I read the more I want to know. Lately, books have been piling up because I don’t have as much time to read anymore. That being said, I started reading everything I could get my hands on (fiction & non-fiction) regarding treasure hunting in July of 2003. No subject has ever fascinated me more. A year plus later I was buying my first detector a Hayes 2-box from Kellyco and a year after that my first coin machine a Bounty Hunter. Several months later I was making my first posts here at T-Net. I’ve been hooked on the subject and its infinite possibilities ever since.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]For what it’s worth here’s a list of treasure books that have inspired, challenged, entertained and in some cases provoked me into my own adventures….[/FONT]
[FONT=&]1). The Treasure Hunter by Howard Jennings with Robin Moore This is the book that launched a thousand treasure hunts --- including my own. The guy was the text book treasure hunter, ladies’ man & adventurer.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]2). The Urban Treasure Hunter by Michael Chaplan An exhaustive book on all aspects of treasure hunting from a practical stand point by a guy who definitely knows his business. Think of this as the ultimate how-to, where-to guide.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]3). Lost Treasure by Bill Yenne An entertaining look at various leads around the country and the engaging stories behind them. This was an early favorite of mine and is still a classic.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]4). Buried Treasures of the Mid Atlantic States by W.C. Jameson This author is great in terms of knowledge and telling a good true story. All his books are short and breezy reads. I recommend anything you can get your hands on by him and believe me there’s a ton of stuff to choose from. [/FONT]
[FONT=&]5). Lost Treasures of Florida’s Gulf Coast by L. Frank Hudson I’ve personally searched for some of these and talked to his publisher. They basically said he was the type of guy that would tell you outrageous stories that later turned out to be true. While other times something believable he said off the cuff turned out to be a bald faced lie. Judge for yourself, but you’ve been fairly warned. [/FONT]
[FONT=&]6). United States Treasure Atlas (multi-volume) by Thomas P. Terry This guy is the Dean of Treasure Research. You could spend years of your life (and many have) looking through the leads in here from all 50 states that are encyclopedic in their breadth.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]7). Valverde’s Gold by Mark Honigsbaum This book tackles the famous Inca chief Atahulpa’s lost treasure in Ecuador. It’s a little bit more sizzle than actual steak, but still a tantalizing read overall. Good historical details on past searches are a strong point.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]8). The Treasure Hunter’s Manual #7 by Karl Von Mueller a.k.a Dean Miller a.k.a Deek Gladson If there’s a “father” of modern treasure hunting this guy is it. Hands down this is one of the most practical handbooks on the subject of treasure hunting ever written.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]9). Treasure Recovery From Sand and Sea by Charles Garrett This excellent book came out before his stuff became over commercialized and repetitive. His advice for beach hunting has served me well over the years.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]10). The Treasure Diver’s Guide by John S. Potter I’ve never dived for treasure in my life and never plan to, but this book makes you want to rent a boat and head out. The leads are well researched and he makes them seem so close at hand. Many have made fortunes from this book including Mel Fisher. [/FONT]
[FONT=&]11). Pieces of Eight by Kip Wagner Here’s the true story of the mother load of all treasure ships --- the 1715 fleet. He started as a contractor by day and a beach comber in his free time and wound up one of the most successful treasure finders of all time. I found this book at a library book sale and it’s signed by him, but missing the dust jacket. [/FONT]
[FONT=&]12). Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson A ripping treasure yarn that gets better with age and is worth a re-read every couple of years. Countless treasure hunters site this book as their first inspiration from childhood. Stevenson still holds up in every way.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]13). Coronado’s Children by J. Frank Dobie This entertaining collection of true stories will give you hours of reading enjoyment guaranteed. It’s widely known as one of the best books on lost treasures and has inspired countless authors and treasure hunters since.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]14). True Tales of Buried Treasure by Edward Rowe Snow This author wrote tons of books on the subject and this IMO is the best. He talks about an exciting treasure he found as well as legends well known & obscure.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]15). Dig Here! by Thomas Penfield Years of research went into this book and while it’s dated it still has some serious merit. Pirate hoards, outlaw caches etc. are all in here.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]16). Pirate Hunters by Robert Kurson This is a recent addition to the treasure hunting genre and involves two buddies obsessed with finding pirate treasure. The truthfulness and lack of embellishment were refreshing. [/FONT]
[FONT=&]17). Fatal Treasure by Jedwin Smith The story of Mel Fisher’s tragic journey and ultimate triumph in his years long search for the legendary Atocha. Although you know how this one ends the fun comes page by page in getting there.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]18). Treasure Trove by Tim Haydock This is a well-researched and entertaining look at some of the world’s most famous missing treasures. One of the earliest books on the subject I read it fed the fire for many more.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]19). How To Research For Treasure Hunting and Metal Detecting: From Lead Generation To Vetting by Otto Von Helsing In this NO B.S. guide the author debunks a lot of myths surrounding leads and sources. His basic premise is that there’s a good reason why a tiny fraction of treasure hunters make most of the big finds --- better and more elaborate research through multiple avenues.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]20). America’s Lost Treasures by Michael Paul Henson This author like Thomas P. Terry is another well-respected researcher who manages to uncover some treasures of his own. Like W.C. Jameson the treasure here is also in the telling.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]21). World’s Best Lost Treasure Stories by C.B. Colby Actually it’s a kid’s book, the stories are told in bite size pieces, but still have that wispy element of lost treasure tales that fires the blood. Some are well known others not so much, but all are entertaining. The story of John Wilson in Maine is my favorite of the bunch.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]22). Buried Treasures You Can Find by Sir Robert Marx I’ll say right off this book is a little hokey and commercialized for such a well-respected author and successful treasure finder. Like so many others though I couldn’t resist the lure and I still managed to find some gems in here. I personally searched for a few of these and had some very modest (unrelated) finds, but great stories as a result.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]23). The Lost Treasure of the Concepcion by John Grissim This book tells the inspiring story and ultimately successful quest of treasure hunter Burt Webber. On a side note, I found this book at a library book sale dirt cheap and it had the subject’s (not the author’s) signature on the fly leaf page.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]24). Treasure Caches Can Be Found by Charles Garrett A practical how-to guide by a guy who really knows his stuff. Everything from site evaluation past & present to tips and tricks are covered in a very short and easy read.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]25). Ship of Gold Deep Blue Sea by Gary Kinder The exceptional story of Tommy Thompson is told here. The dreamer, underwater robotics engineer and ultimately successful treasure hunter who went from living in his car to discovering one of the biggest underwater fortunes of all time. Sadly, the more recent post script to his story; investor fraud, fugitive and current prisoner is far less compelling.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]Hardly complete I think this list should still give everyone a book they could enjoy and benefit from. If you haven’t read these then I envy you the discoveries waiting in them. And who knows what discoveries might come your way out there in the field…??[/FONT]
[FONT=&]Happy Holidays & Happy Hunting![/FONT]
[FONT=&]-spyguy[/FONT]
