Treasure Hunters

by Anna Claybourne, Judy Tatchell, Caroline Young

Describes some of the most remarkable treasures and reputed treasure sites, including buried treasures, sunken ships, and archeological discoveries.

Genres: Nonfiction

79 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

About the author

Freelance children’s writer and editor, based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Anna Claybourne writes children's information books on all kinds of topics: science experiments, ancient history, the human body, things to make, the environment, robots, evolution, art, fashion, Shakespeare and many more - as well as retellings of myths, legends and Shakespeare plays, and rhyming stories.

She studied English literature at university, but has always been interested in science, technology and art and design as well. She loves making and crafting, especially sewing, and her house is full of fabrics, craft materials, tools and books. Other interests and passions include camping, cats, outdoor swimming, news and politics, and music - she plays the trombone and has played in many different bands and orchestras, including performing live on a John Peel session in 2002 with Scottish band Ballboy.

Anna was born and grew up in Yorkshire, but has also lived in Canada as a student, Iceland as an au pair, and Costa Rica as a conservation volunteer, where she saw tarantulas, tapirs, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and giant katydids. She now lives in Edinburgh with her two children and two cats, Skye and Socks.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one to my 9, 11 and 13 year olds for school and we enjoyed learning about treasure hunters through the centuries.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for The Usborne Book of Treasure Hunting

I really enjoyed reading the sections on Nazi hidden valuables, a priest's hidden hoard, and the capture of the Mona Lisa in 1911.

I couldn't help thinking that the term 'treasure' is really very subjective... so although I enjoyed this book and although it does say the book only portrays some of the most famous treasure hunts, I can't help but think of how Euro-centric it was. Much of the 'treasure' found was really just stolen valuables from natives who were still alive and could claim ownership. The only two non-Euro centric treasure talked about (I'm pretty sure) were of tombs with valuables in China and Ancient Egypt....

I'm sure there is much treasure and cool stories of mysterious valuables in the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and beyond, but this book doesn't really have any examples of it.

There was a mention that the Spaniards who stole from (it says 'Spanish Colonies' instead of the natives) Native South Americans now seem to be very cruel.