Encyclopedia of Western Atlantic Shipwrecks and Sunken Treasure [Paperback]

Victoria Sandz (Author), Robert F. Marx (Contributor) (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 11, 2006 | ISBN-10: 078642902X | ISBN-13: 978-0786429028

From aerial survey to zoology, Part I of this two-part encyclopedia covers all aspects of underwater archeology, treasure hunting and salvaging. For example, entries are included for different types of artifacts, notable treasure hunters, the various salvaging equipment, and techniques in mapping and excavating. Part II covers the shipwrecks themselves, dividing them into 13 geographical categories. Beginning with the northernmost category (Canada) and ending with the southernmost (South America), every known shipwreck--both identified and unidentified--receives an entry in alphabetical order under its appropriate geographical category. Entries are by name, such as Andrea Gail, Titanic, and Queen Ann's Revenge. Unidentified is used when a shipwreck’s name remains unknown. Entries give the nationality (e.g., Spanish, British, American), type (schooner, frigate, brig are three), function (examples: slave transportation, piracy, fishing), location and history of the shipwreck.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Written by a U.S. Coast Guard officer with the assistance of a noted shipwreck author, this volume's emphasis is on "sunken treasure." Part 1 is a dictionary of shipwreck terms, specifically as they apply to commercial salvage. Photographs and illustrations accompany the text, but some photographs do not give the reader enough information. Part 2 is a catalog of shipwrecks in the western Atlantic, arranged geographically and then alphabetically by the name of the ship. Perhaps because it is a center for underwater treasure hunting, Florida has its own chapter rather than being included under the U.S. Each entry includes the ship's name, nationality, type, and function, along with the location and a generally brief description of the wreck. Because of the difficulties of converting older monetary values to the current monetary system, the value of treasure is described as in the original documentation. An extensive index indicates each page where a wreck is mentioned and also lists dictionary entries.

One wreck not listed is Morrow Castle, lost off the coast of New Jersey in the 1930s. The wreck of Andrea Doria in 1956 is listed under New Jersey even though, as the entry notes, it sank off the coast of Massachusetts. No mention is made of the role of Ile de France in the dramatic rescue by the Andrea Doria 's passengers and crew. At the beginning of the U.S. section, the Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987 is discussed but not the controversial salvage of DeBraak off the Delaware coast that spurred the legislation. The entry on DeBraak also does not mention the controversy.

This source covers more lesser-known shipwrecks, specifically in Caribbean waters, than Shipwrecks: An Encyclopedia of the World's Worst Disasters at Sea (Facts On File, 2000). A more scholarly source of information is the Encyclopedia of Underwater and Maritime Archaeology (Yale, 1998). Marine archaeologists may find this source useful, but it has a focus on commercial salvage. Recommended for libraries serving patrons with an interest in diving, marine archaeology, and sunken treasures. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"Extensive index...covers more lesser-known shipwrecks [than the competition]...useful...recommended" --Booklist/RBB

"Will whet the appetites of treasure divers around the world" --ARBA

"The book reflects thorough research and the expertise of well-qualifies authors...fascinating and informative" --Catholic Library World

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (October 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078642902X
• ISBN-13: 978-0786429028
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,064,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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