cover image Treasure of Atocha

Treasure of Atocha

R. Duncan Mathewson, P. Matthewson. Dutton Books, $19.95 (192pp) ISBN 978-0-525-24497-4

Lost during a hurricane off the Florida Keys more than 350 years ago, the Spanish galleon Atocha has finally yielded its secrets and treasure. Fisher and his salvage crew searched the shallow waters near Key West for 16 yearsat a cost of four lives, eight million dollars and court battles with both federal and state governments for ownership of the Atocha's immense wealth. When Mathewson joined Fisher in 1973, he became suspect among his professional colleagues, for reputable archeologists simply did not work with treasure hunters or adventurers. He trained divers and applied the basic techniques of land archeology with notable success. Mathewson tells a compelling story of mystery and adventure, of piecing together a complex puzzle. Excellent photographs and diagrams complement the text, enabling us to go beyond the treasure for a glimpse of early 17th century travel. A fitting sequel to Eugene Lyon's The Search for the Atocha. (October 7)