The Urban Treasure Hunter: A Practical Handbook for Beginners

by Michael Chaplan

Every city possesses countless hidden treasures waiting to be discovered--ancient artifacts, valuable jewelry, and vintage coins, as well as hundreds of other highly sought-after collectibles. Michael... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0757000908
• ISBN13: 9780757000904
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Square One Publishers
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Best book for new treasure hunters

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.

A Must Read for New Treasure Hunters

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.

Thinking of treasure hunting??? Read this book first....

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.

a field scientist's opinion

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.

Best How-To Book on Metal Detector Treasure Hunting

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