The Silver Madonna and Other Tales of America's Greatest Lost Treasures

They must have for any treasure hunter and Army Ranger historian. RLTW

W.C. Jameson spins some entertaining tales in this book, and he tells his stories in an way that is easily accessible. While I enjoyed reading each chapter, I found it maddening that a so-called historian did not list a single source. Although Jameson acknowledges this oversight, he dismisses its importance as a matter of public record. He tells his readers that the sources are easily accessible online, but cursory searches reveal oft-repeated folk tales or links back to this book. To say that some of the claims of the book stretch the bounds of credibility is an understatement. For example, in one chapter there is an unnamed captain who served under the Conquistador, Pizarro. After raiding Quito, Ecuador, of its stash of Incan gold, this captain travels by llama over 2,600 miles to what is now Texas to bury his horde before he and his traitorous comrades are dispatched by indigenous tribes (not before conveniently inscribing a map on a piece of leather, which has been seen but never produced).Did Jameson make up these stories? Probably not. Are the stories credible? Hard to tell without seeing some definitive proof in the form of a single source, historical document, or firsthand account.As a writer, Jameson shows imagination. As a historian, he fails by not showing proper documentation of his claims. If you want a good tale that will stoke your treasure-hunting imagination, this is your book. If you are looking for history, look elsewhere.

Enjoyed reading this book. Interesting. Scarce details. Would like to read more on the same topics. Some of the stories to contrived to believe but overall enjoyable.

Lost treasures, pirate gold, From the Spaniards to today, these hoards have had people killing themselves to find them. Doesn't matter that most of the locations are known, they are still hidden. A wonderful retelling of these legends, I devoured it in one night. If you love mystery with your history,read this one.

Interesting reading. Didn't know there was so many undiscovered treasures amongst us.

A decent enough collection of potted histories regarding America's treasures. I wouldn't consider it an authoritative source on any of them, and some of the mysteries are obviously fictional legends just included to fluff out the book, but at a low price this is worth the read.

I really can't give it an honest review as it was a gift for a treasurer hunter's hobby.

Same great stories and style as his other books. Some overlap with other books.Alwasy a good read and a few relaxing hours spent.