Customer Reviews

The Urban Treasure Hunter: A Practical Handbook for Beginners

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In this practical how-to guide author and long-time treasure hunter Michael Chaplan really delivers the goods. Everything from choosing a metal detector, researching a site, hunting tips and blending into various city environments are covered. One major point that is emphasized over and over again is the fact that "treasure" can take many forms and be found in many places from the attic to your local park etc. The book advises the reader to be creative when approaching a site both in your research and out in the field. For example, maybe a vacant lot was once a fairgrounds with heavy traffic and presumably lots of lost coins. It also clears up many misconceptions people have of treasure hunting and it's enthusiasts. Drawing on some of his own many adventures, the author draws the reader closer into this fascinating hobby. The text is laced with stories/examples that are entertaining and motivating as well as very practical.

I am just beginning my hobby with a metal detector. I purchased several books on treasure hunting and this is by far the best. It has a broad range of extremely useful information. By all means start with this book if you too are a beginner. Most of the other books I bought had a lot of fluff. This book has a ton of useful information and guidance.

I read this book from cover to cover and highly recommend it to anyone new to the hobby of treasure hunting and metal detecting. Chaplan knows his subject well and covers everything from how to get started to what to look out for while hunting and what to do with the objects that one finds.

The author leave no stone (or dirt!) unturned in the process. An excellent, all-around resource on the topic.

As a long time friend of the author I feel as though I can share some interesting insights on this book. First, I'd like to say that he is a life-long treasure hunter, so this isn't some assignment from a publisher to a staff writer who does a cookbook one year and a woodworking book another year. This is Michael's "thing" and he's great and knowledgeable at it. He also brings to the table a scholars knowledge in anthroplogy, sociology and public health. When he explores for the artifacts of a past culture, he undestands what and why he is looking for something. When he finds something, he is able to put it in scientific perspective. Yet, he communicates simply and intelligently. The book can be as useful an easy reference for both the scholar and the person who just want's to find treasure. From creating a sifter, to logically approaching a site, it's all in there and easy to find. On the other hand, the book is also a great read from cover to cover. He's been a legend in treasure hunting many years, and this edition was eagerly awaited by many in the field. A must have for everyone with an interest or involvement in this area

Michael Chaplan's personal treasure hunting motto is: "Anything can be anywhere." And, he proves it time after time in his book with a fascinating array of treasure hunting adventures searching for and finding lost treasures in New York City. Treasure consisting of old coins, hidden caches, historical relics, antique bottles, precious jewelry, and prehistoric Indian artifacts.

His theory is that America's urban areas have common treasure hunting zones, and that the rules for treasure hunting in New York City would apply to every other urban area. Of course this comes with some pretty unusual experiences. The chilling section where he's drawn into the strange world of urban voodoo, after finding a ritual object, is one of the book's many high points. As a writer, Michael Chaplan really has that special knack for bringing the reader along on his adventurous expeditions around town.

THE URBAN TREASURE HUNTER should be on every city dweller's reading list. It clearly demonstrates that you don't have to be in steamy far away places to find treasure, it's right there in your own hometown. The book has a very attractive layout and is well illustrated with photos of interesting treasure finds, easy to understand diagrams, and useful charts. It's also quite apparent that the author has thoroughly explored the intriguing history of New York, a once small seaport grown into a great city, and then a metal detector became his time machine. Highly recommended, even for armchair adventurers. An excellent read. Get ready to put on your Indiana Jones hat!

As a geologist, I found his descriptions of locations and of his methods, to be clear, comprehensible, and pleasing to read. One interested in hunting for treasure in urban areas could not help but have one's searches enhanced by use of this text.

Reading the book expands one's horizons.

Every city holds some hidden treasures, from old coins to hidden money caches and antiques some may see as 'junk. Michael Chaplan is an 'urban treasure hunter' who has a background in anthropology and has pursued treasure hunting for over twenty years. His intriguing guide covers everything from tools and tricks of the trade to how to turn a treasure hunter's hobby into extra income. From reading an archaeological site report to viewing a city park with a new eye to locating treasure, Urban Treasure Hunter: A Practical Handbook For Beginners tells it all.

I have owned and used metal detectors since the early 80's and compared to a lot of books on the subject (that turn into adds for a particular detector manufacturer) I have found this book very useful and have picked up a few pointers and techniques

No matter what your treasure, be it coins, bottles, or somethisg else, this book has great tips on where and how to find it. I originally bought a copy for my son and was so impressed that I bought another copy for myself.

This book is an invaluable resource for the beginner and even the intermediate detectorist. It has filled me with new ideas of where and how to search for lost valuables and coins. The tidbits on history and archeology were most interesting.