Lost Treasure Ships of the Twentieth Century by Nigel Pickford.
Published Pavilion books, London, ISBN 1 86205 079 1, £25 Sterling
Research work for the famous salvors, Riesdon Beazley forms the base for Nigel Pickford's extensive knowledge of treasure wrecks. His personal archive is used to provide the information for salvage expeditions even to this day. He has established himself as an entertaining author with the ‘Atlas of Ship Wreck and Treasure’ in 1994. This fine production reinforces his reputation. The wrecks are all modern since the scope is focused on the twentieth century. In all 170 ships, lost all over the world, are described. Wartime losses predominate and the most tantalising aspect is the description of the huge cargoes of gold shipped about during the wars to pay for munitions. As countries were invaded or reoccupied the gold moved ahead of the advancing armies. There is a comprehensive listing of British gold cargoes moved during these troubled times. This is accompanied by detailed information on the routes and methods of shipment. The stories of the
reviewed by Eddie Bourke