The Last Great Treasure Hunt ?

“Fatal Treasure”- author Jedwin Smith

review- by pat clyne

Jedwin Smith takes the reader on a whirlwind ride through the hurricane’s eye of Mel Fisher’s treasures, triumphs and tragedies while searching for the elusive Spanish Galleon Atocha. Smith, was one of the few journalists who actually kept coming back for more and became caught up in the search. After some personal introspection, while working with the divers, he proved to himself and others that he had what it took to be an accepted member of the crew.

Mel Fisher was a 20th century adventurer who loved to explore the sea’s tightly held secrets of the past and its many treasures. He was a man who would share his dream with anyone who would listen; those that did, would be offered the opportunity to experience that adventure first hand, if they accepted, they usually got much more than they could have ever imagined.

Although the title, “Fatal Treasure”, reveals the worst tragedies Mel and his crew had to endure in the course of their 16-year odyssey, the book also deals in great detail with the mindset of those who would spend their lives probing the depths to make one man’s dream their own obsession. As for Mel Fisher’s explanation as to why he did what he did, he had a rather simple quip to his most complex vocation. His response would be- “For the fun, romance and adventure.” An attitude and spirit of mind that embraced life and all who knew him.

“Fatal Treasure” is really a story about an American hero who would not allow government interference, financial ruin or great personal tragedy sway him from what he believed was his right as an American citizen to pursue. This is the “gift” he bestowed on his crew, and became the real treasure to be found and understood. If there is an underlying theme to Smith’s narrative, it would certainly be a lesson in civics about personal freedoms and how easy it would be for us to lose them, for if we do, “Fatal Treasure” just may become the story of this country’s “Last Great Treasure Hunt.”

For more details see- http://melfisher.com/catalog/Books/books2.htm