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If you think you know everything about the secrets of Oak Island, think again. Oak Island: A Masonic Quest makes the strongest and most compelling case ever for the truth behind the treasure at Nova Scotia's Oak Island. It also connects two of the world's most baffling mysteries: the secrets of the arcane and cryptic Freemasons, and the equally enigmatic Oak Island treasure. Through years of extensive research, Scott Clarke—author, amateur historian, and guest expert on the History Channel's The Curse of Oak Island—has discovered numerous captivating connections, published here for the first time, that truly show these mysteries to be intertwined, including: •Previously unknown connections between Freemasonry and Oak Island dating from before the discovery of the Money Pit in 1795 •Masonic and family connections between two of the most famous treasures of the late eighteenth century and Oak Island •The strongest and most evidence-based theory yet for what the treasure at Oak Island might consist of •A logical, yet sure-to-be-controversial theory that could rewrite Masonic history •The discovery of two previously unknown, centuries-old “treasure maps” that both point to treasure in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. With forty images, including maps and illustrations, Oak Island Odyssey: A Masonic Quest offers the freshest and most original take on the mystery yet.

In'The Book of Buried Treasure,'Ralph D. Paine meticulously documents the allure of hidden wealth and the captivating tales surrounding legendary treasures. Written in the early 20th century, this work merges journalistic rigor with a vivid narrative style, reflecting the era's fascination with adventure and exploration. Paine's text is richly imbued with historical anecdotes and folklore, presenting a tapestry of human ambition and the relentless pursuit of fortune while examining the cultural significance of treasure hunting in American lore. Ralph D. Paine was a prominent author and journalist, known for his adventurous spirit and a keen interest in maritime exploits. His extensive travels and experiences as a correspondent for various publications inform this book, allowing him to weave together disparate stories from various regions and time periods. Paine's background in adventure writing, combined with his knowledge of American history, lends authenticity and depth to his exploration of buried treasures. For readers drawn to intrigue and mystery,'The Book of Buried Treasure'is a compelling exploration of the legends that shape our understanding of wealth and adventure. Paine invites you to embark on a journey through time, uncovering the stories behind the treasures waiting to be discovered, making it a must-read for treasure seekers and history enthusiasts alike.

Based on the exceptional and fascinating eyewitness account of a seventeenth-century Spanish padre, Dave Horner's Shipwreck is the absorbing and true story of two immense galleons that were lost (along with hundreds of passengers and millions of pesos in treasure) to disasters at sea. Shipwreck is an extraordinary literary adventure which interweaves accounts of the many attempts throughout the past three centuries to recover the sunken treasure, including the recent discovery and salvage of one of the galleons by Dave Horner himself. Shipwreck is an outstanding history of true adventure on the high seas, past and present, which is wonderfully enhanced for the reader with 50 photographic illustrations, six maps, four line drawings, seven appendices, as well as bibliographies of archival sources, institutions, original documents or primary works, and a general listing of thematically appropriate titles for further suggested readings.

The aim of this book is to provide detailed information, practical help, handy hints and tips in regards to all aspects of Metal Detecting. By offering advice and guidance this book aims to make the hobby of using a metal detector fun, interesting and interactive to anyone who wishes to have a go! It will give the reader an insight into following best practice and how to enjoy the hobby in a responsible way, everything will be covered from choosing the right detector & equipment to gaining permission to search land, understanding the law and of course giving the necessary information to make sure that people enjoy their hobby to its maximum potential. From beaches to farmland we want you to be able to feel confident enough to search these types of environments and make interesting discoveries without feeling out of your depth. Information will be passed over regarding potential discoveries of treasure and the law surrounding such finds and also the identification of coins and artefacts that the reader may come across in their adventures. After reading this book, you will be able to enjoy this magical and captivating past-time and have the confidence to unearth some fascinating and historical discoveries.

This book traces the origin of the legend of El Dorado and the various expeditions that set out to locate that mysterious land of untold wealth in South America. Motivated by both fanciful rumors of a golden city ruled by a man who coated himself daily with gold dust, and the more practical allure of a region abundant in cinnamon trees (a spice that was worth its weight in gold to Europeans), many conquistadors convinced themselves that another native empire awaited their conquest. These quests for fortune and glory would lead to an encounter with fierce female warriors who were believed to be the Amazons of ancient Greek lore, and the discovery of the mighty river later named for the legendary Amazon tribe. The first half of this book details the lesser-known accounts of German interest in locating the wealth of a golden kingdom called Xerira and an elusive passage at Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo which supposedly led to the Pacific Ocean. The second section focuses on the various Spanish efforts to discover El Dorado, each of which was eventually doomed to despair, disappointment, and death.

Il tesoro errante di Salomone, la magica grotta di Alì Babà, l'oro del Reno, il Sacro Graal: è fra il Medioevo e l'Età Moderna che prende forma nell'immaginario comune l'ossessione per la ricerca di ricchezze perdute. Questo saggio ne ripercorre le tracce in un viaggio appassionante, dalla Scandinavia al mondo arabo, dalla Persia alle Colonne d'Ercole. Nelle sue pagine si intrecciano le storie di molti cercatori ma ce n'è una ancora tutta da scrivere: quella del lettore capace di sciogliere gli enigmi celati fra le righe e arrivare al tesoro nascosto. Questo, infatti, non è soltanto un libro, è anche una mappa. Protetto da draghi o spiriti maligni, gravato da maledizioni, rivelato da sogni e visioni, il tesoro è materia magica per eccellenza e fra le più affascinanti. Se cercassimo una ricetta alchemica per crearne uno, avremmo bisogno di alcuni ingredienti fondamentali. Il primo è il valore, quello scintillio che accende il desiderio. Il secondo è il segreto, la consapevolezza che esso esiste senza sapere dove. Il terzo è il tempo, al quale è sopravvissuto e che l'ha reso libero da ogni possesso: attende chi saprà meritarselo ma non è più di nessuno. In queste pagine si proverà a seguire la storia della ricerca dei tesori fra Medioevo ed Età Moderna, analizzando le sfumature del desiderio che ha colto gli uomini attraverso i secoli, descrivendo alcuni degli oggetti che hanno alimentato i racconti più favolosi, svelando come nascono certe leggende, alla scoperta dei nascondigli e dei loro custodi, sulla scia di quei cercatori che, dalle sponde meridionali del Mediterraneo fino all'Europa settentrionale, per secoli hanno seguito il miraggio della ricchezza fra magia e misteriose topografie auree.

Oklahoma keeps its secrets. Adventurers combing the Wichita Mountains for the legendary Lost Cave with an Iron Door can slake their thirst at Cache Creek or Treasure Lake. Following the tradition of French and Spanish explorers, miners and pioneers stashed their valuable discoveries along the Santa Fe Trail and the California Road. Chief Opothleyahola reportedly buried gold coins that could be worth more than $14 million today, while businessman Dr. John J. Hayes never returned from a Confederate refugee camp to reclaim his hidden fortune. From the unrecovered loot of the James Gang to the fabled funds of the Knights of the Golden Circle, W. Craig Gaines tracks tales of treasure across sixty Oklahoma counties.

Excerpt:'With the name of pirate is also associated ideas of rich plunder, caskets of buried jewels, chests of gold ingots, bags of outlandish coins, secreted in lonely, out of the way places, or buried about the wild shores of rivers and unexplored sea coasts, near rocks and trees bearing mysterious marks indicating where the treasure was hid. And as it is his invariable practice to secrete and bury his booty, and from the perilous life he leads, being often killed or captured, he can never revisit the spot again, therefore immense sums remain buried in those places and are irrevocably lost. Search is often made by persons who labor in anticipation of throwing up with their spade and pickaxe, gold bars, diamond crosses sparkling amongst the dirt, bags of golden doubloons and chests wedged close with moidores, ducats and pearls; but although great treasures lie hid in this way, it seldom happens that any is recovered.'

Fiche d'identité Nom : Zoé Zabbé. Classe : celle de madame Stéphanie. Langues parlées : le français et le pirate. Le mot le plus bizarre que j'ai entendu : « tasse-tasse-bol-A ». Ce que j'aime : chercher des trésors. Mon équipage : Olivier, Béatrice et Sandrine. Mon livre préféré : L'encyclopédie de la piraterie. L'épave d'un navire pirate a été retrouvée dans le fleuve Saint-Laurent. Voilà donc Zoé qui se met à rêver d'un trésor caché! En classe, madame Stéphanie est absente. Son remplaçant, monsieur Rocco, ressemble étrangement à un pirate. Tatouage, boucle d'oreille et barbe longue… Aucun doute possible, il en est un! Que fait-il à leur école? Son fabuleux trésor serait-il tout près? Pour le découvrir, Zoé et ses amis doivent résoudre trois énigmes. Ouf! Trouver le butin qui les rendra riches s'annonce plus difficile que prévu! Une série écrite par une maman et sa fille!

The author of The Charge of the Light Brigade examines the history behind a treasure of military gold that disappeared during the Peninsula War. History abounds with unresolved puzzles and unanswered questions, none more so than that of the loss of the British Army's military chest during the retreat to Corunna in 1809. Now, with a group of fellow historians, the author set off to search the archives and the mountains of Galicia in a bid to find Moore's gold. Sir John Moore's small force had dared to attack Marshal Soult's II Corps isolated in the north of Spain. But before Moore could pounce on the unsuspecting French corps, he learned that the Emperor Napoleon, at the head of an overwhelming body of troops, was bearing down on the British force, hoping to cut it off from the sea and its only avenue of escape. A desperate race for the coast then began, with the French hard on Moore's heels. In subzero temperatures, the troops were driven on through the snow-clad Galician mountains at a punishing pace. As the men trudged on in deteriorating conditions, the bullocks pulling the army's military chest could no longer keep up. So, in order to prevent the money from falling into enemy hands, the entire military chest was thrown down a deep ravine. What then happened to all those dollars and doubloons? Some were snatched up by the pursuing French cavalry. Some, also, were retrieved by British soldiers who intentionally lagged behind, though their greed cost them their lives on the end of a French bayonet. But what of the rest of the money?

The fourth novel in a fiction series based on Animal Jam, the popular online game enjoyed by over 65 million users! The adventures continue as the Alphas, brave animal leaders, head out on an exciting and dangerous voyage to find a hidden treasure.When an ancient treasure map is discovered deep in the Chamber of Knowledge, the Alphas set sail to uncover the mystery!But this adventure has its dangers for these animal heroes. Faced with ocean storms, mysterious islands, and pitfalls around every turn, they will have to use all of their smarts and teamwork to complete their search. And it appears that the Alphas aren't the only ones who have taken to the sea... Based on the popular online game Animal Jam, both longtime players and newcomers are sure to love this fast-paced adventure story.Fans of the popular Animal Jam game (as well as newcomers) are sure to love this book that expands the online world. And readers will be given exclusive access to new online adventures through a special code in the text!

This book recounts the efforts over many years to dive wrecks that contained treasure in one form or another. The often prolonged and sometimes dangerous expeditions tell of dives to many ships that were wrecked while carrying tons of gold or other valuables. Many of the wrecks came to lie at great depths which demanded considerable diving expertise using rebreathers which allowed longer dives to be performed. The authors are both diving experts and in addition to the accounts and historical pictures they have added their own photography to convey to the reader the challenges of the dives undertaken. The technical demands were considerable, from adjusting the camera housing to accommodate the depth to diving at particular times of the year because many of the wrecks were situated in areas of high seas and extreme currents. Many of these wrecks have been the subject of concerted efforts from salvage teams but success could never be assumed. It took several years to visit and photograph the wrecks mentioned in the book which provides a fascinating account of the vessels and their treasure, and the challenges of diving in what can be a dangerous environment. Each entry provides details and a brief history of the vessel and the means of its demise, enhanced by a modern diving account with photographs. As such the book will be of great interest to all divers whether active or armchair, and to anyone with an interest in maritime/military history.

The adventurous life of Lieut. Harry E. Rieseberg could probably fill a hundred books. But here, in this one dramatic volume, are the outstanding highlights of this world-renowned treasure hunter's amazing carrer. Get set for strange and exciting adventure! Down, down, down we go --- with tthe dautless Lieut. Rieseberg! Let's vist the final resting places of those long-sunk galleons and frigates that perished in the romantic waters of the Spanish Main. See how they look today --- hundreds of years later --- as we search their weary hulks for a fortune in gold and silver, precious gems and artifacts. Read abou the disasters that befell these monarchs of the ocean waves --- the storms; the accidents; the pirates, too, who sent them to their graves.

David Mearns, the man who discovered the wreck of HMAS Sydney, takes us on an extraordinary voyage through his amazing career as one of the world's most successful shipwreck hunters.'The underwater worlds of past and present collide in the depths of the ocean in this gripping and suspenseful narrative by David Mearns, a true expert on the mysteries of the deep sea.'CLIVE CUSSLERDavid Mearns has found some of the world's most fascinating and elusive shipwrecks. His deep-water searches have solved the 66-year mystery of HMAS Sydney, discovered the final resting place of the mighty battlecruiser HMS Hood and revealed the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur in the narrow underwater canyon that served as its grave. His painstaking historical detective work has led to the shallow reefs of a remote island that hid the crumbling wooden skeletons of Vasco da Gama's sixteenth century fleet.The Shipwreck Hunter is the compelling story of David's life and work on the seas, focusing on some of his most intriguing discoveries. It details the extraordinary techniques used, the research and the mid-ocean stamina and courage needed to find a wreck kilometres beneath the sea, as well as the moving human stories that lie behind each of these oceanic tragedies.Part detective story, part history and part deep ocean adventure, The Shipwreck Hunter is a unique insight into a hidden, underwater world.

Stories of lost treasures have been told since ancient times, passed along by storytelling or on maps and scribbled notes. This exciting book describes some of the dangerous journeys—and sometimes remarkable finds—made by treasure hunters throughout history. Find out about lost pirate gold, treasure protected by an Egyptian pharaoh's curse, a fortune in ancient Roman coins found by a farmer's son with a metal detector, and more!

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY CHICAGO TRIBUNE • A thrilling adventure of danger and deep-sea diving, historic mystery and suspense, by the author of Shadow Divers Finding and identifying a pirate ship is the hardest thing to do under the sea. But two men—John Chatterton and John Mattera—are willing to risk everything to find the Golden Fleece, the ship of the infamous pirate Joseph Bannister. At large during the Golden Age of Piracy in the seventeenth century, Bannister should have been immortalized in the lore of the sea—his exploits more notorious than Blackbeard's, more daring than Kidd's. But his story, and his ship, have been lost to time. If Chatterton and Mattera succeed, they will make history—it will be just the second time ever that a pirate ship has been discovered and positively identified. Soon, however, they realize that cutting-edge technology and a willingness to lose everything aren't enough to track down Bannister's ship. They must travel the globe in search of historic documents and accounts of the great pirate's exploits, face down dangerous rivals, battle the tides of nations and governments and experts. But it's only when they learn to think and act like pirates—like Bannister—that they become able to go where no pirate hunters have gone before. Fast-paced and filled with suspense, fascinating characters, history, and adventure, Pirate Hunters is an unputdownable story that goes deep to discover truths and souls long believed lost.Praise for Pirate Hunters“You won't want to put [it] down.”—Los Angeles Times “An exceptional adventure... Highly recommended to readers who delight in adventure, suspense, and the thrill of discovering history at their fingertips.”—Library Journal (starred review) “A terrific read... The book gallops along at a blistering pace, shifting us deftly between the seventeenth century and the present day.”—Diver “Nonfiction with the trademarks of a novel: the plots and subplots, the tension and suspense... [Kurson has] found gold.”—The Dallas Morning News “Rollicking... a fascinating [story] about the world of pirates, piracy, and priceless treasures.”—The Boston Globe “[Kurson's] narration is just as engrossing as the subject.”—The Christian Science Monitor “A wild ride [and an] extraordinary adventure... Kurson's own enthusiasm, combined with his copious research and an eye for detail, makes for one of the most mind-blowing pirate stories of recent memory, one that even the staunchest landlubber will have a hard time putting down.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)“The two contemporary pirate-ship seekers of Mr. Kurson's narrative are as daring, intrepid, tough and talented as Blood and Sparrow—and Bannister.... As depicted by the author, they are real-life Hemingway heroes.”—The Wall Street Journal “[Kurson] takes his knowledge of the underwater world and applies it to the ‘Golden Age of Piracy'... thrillingly detailing the highs and lows of chasing not just gold and silver but also history.”—Booklist“A great thriller full of tough guys and long odds... and: It's all true.”—Lee Child

Treasure and treasure hunting are vast themes in literature and culture, yet have so far not received much sustained and coherent academic interest. The present collection of essays approaches treasure and treasure hunts in literature and culture from the Renaissance to the present. It asks questions about the legal, social, and cultural role of treasure, especially in connection with its links with gender and sexuality. The essays of the collection deal with Renaissance documents and their depiction of legal struggles over treasure, Romantic conceptions of the self as treasure, American nineteenth-century views of treasure, decadent treasure hunters in British and German literature, the link between imperial and domestic treasures in Victorian fiction, the emptying of treasure in Modernist fiction, intertextual and intermedial uses of treasure in opera and fiction, the treasuring of identity in the context of race in modern American writing, nature as treasure in ecocritical contemporary fiction, and AIDS medication as treasure in present-day South Africa.