Guide to the World's Greatest Treasures

by Michael Bradley, Ted Streuli

“Can you see anything?” one explorer asked the other as he peered into Tutankhamun’s tomb. “Wonderful things,” came the reply. In this thrilling guide, readers are brought face-to-face with the world’s greatest treasures, large and small, discovered and still lost: from the underwater city of Atlantis to the Rosetta Stone, from the Mayan Crystal Skull of Doom to King Solomon’s Mines. In short, concise, beautifully illustrated chapters, readers will learn about riches both real and legendary. Many of the discoveries here, like the Baghdad Battery, show that ancient cultures possessed knowledge we’ve only recently re-acquired. This account will appeal to anyone who’s ever had what Mark Twain called the “raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure.”

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Reference, Historical

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Bradley’s done an impressive amount of research to turn up the facts about many historical artifacts, and then summarizes his research in 3 or 4 pages for each artifact: what is it ? where did it come from ? what was it used for ? where is it now?

He lists all possibilities as to the creation of each artifact, and one possibility for almost everything is extraterrestrials because a lot of people actually believe in that sort of thing. Of course, it must be said that they did build the Great Pyramids and lived in Atlantis. We know that for sure.

[Cienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strange book to be sure. At first I really liked it. Visually this book is 10/10. I have a hardcover edition and it has little gems embedded in the cover, the entire book has pages that look "old" the photos are glossy and beautiful. Aside from that the content is definitely sub-adult. I'd say this is more teen or late grade school level. Good overview of things, but a lot of facts are oversimplified. A lot of religious context is added and it almost feels like cryptozoology. A lot of weird alien ideas, ET's and other strange magical concepts that supposedly could have created the artifacts or disasters/places to disappear. Strange book that overall is good, but could have been better with fact or unrealistic evidence left out.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at a series of treasures throughout history. Some are real, some are more fantastical and taken on faith. Just enough information on each to give a good understanding of what it is and why it’s important.

[Bry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good basic overview of some of the world's most important archaeological finds such as the Rosetta stone and the Dead Sea Scrolls. It is written in a simple manner and uses pictures and maps to illustrate.

This would make a great book for a young reader who is interested in archaeology, past societies, etc. Although I don't think adults who are interested in those subjects would appreciate it as much as it is pretty basic.

[Kammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gem I found in the B&N bargain book rack. It contains a few pages on about 45 different worldwide treasures. Each section contains an explanation, location found or assumed location(s) and any myths surrounding it. It turned out to be a really fun book to read. It also contains a big recommended reading section on other books about the individual treasures. I will have to look into some of those.

[St-Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delicious collection of treasures and artifacts from around the world, both real and legendary, and the beliefs, rumours, hoaxes and reality surrounding each. An interesting read for anyone who's in interested in the austere and fantastical history accredited with these artifacts that have helped shape our world.

[Disupo2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight to myths and legends of ancient found or yet to be found? objects.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was very interesting and I found many wonders I never knew existed before.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief summary of the treasures you know and dozens that you don't know...interesting. Reminds me that I must travel more.

[Natalia]

(Versión en español)

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this book! Sooooo cool, especially to a young boy