Lost Cities & Ancient Mysteries of the Southwest

Author thinks for himself, out side the main narrative, provides good resource material, true adventure.

David Hatcher Childress has done a lot of research on this topic as we follow him on his journey across America's Southwest. He talks about the ancient peoples who occupied the land, probably when ancient lakes still existed in what is now desert areas. Lost gold mines and Aztec treasure. Sometimes when giving a name of a source, the name was never spelled the same way twice, so he should be more careful that way. Also, he didn't seem to know that Billy the Kid's real name was William Bonney. He gave a different name. So, sometimes I wasn't too sure if he knew what he was talking about. But all in all, I enjoyed most of his comments and the sources where he got his information. But an interesting book for those who enjoy the subject.

This book took me an unordinary amount of time to read. The reason being that I simply savored the experience of this skilled author's journey to search for lost cities, ancient civilizations, and artifacts from the Southwest, including Mexico and Southwestern U.S.A.Now, I should have read this book many years ago, however, I didn't and thus have missed out on many interesting road trips I could have made in Arizona and New Mexico and let us not forget, Southern California.Viking ships in the Desert? Petroglyphs upon the mountains? Giants in Yuma? Were have I been?This book is filled (even the Kindle version) with multiple pictures of maps, artifacts, and lakes now long dry. In fact, we are going to try and get a 'hard or paperback' version of this book as we want it in our physical 'library' as a reference book.True, many theories are offered that one may question, however I'm more than happy to open my mind to their possibilities. One thing is for certain, this book reads as a journal. We follow the author and his companion through the miles, shots of Tequila, and meeting up with friends. Along the path we experience the unbelievable...lost gold mines, rounded stones, and Zuni's who might have spoken ancient Japanese!This was one fantastic read if you are interested in the past and peoples that came before us.

This book chronicles the author's road trip throughout the southwest and northern Mexico in search of ancient mysteries and legends. Much of the content centers around the many lost treasure and gold/silver mines throughout this region. Also featured is a plethora of alternative history yarns and archeological enigmas. I would have given this book a full 5 stars if it wasn't for the author's seeming complete lack of skepticism regarding certain tales. One example is his referencing of an article in a Jerome, AZ newspaper about the discovery of a giant skeleton in a mine shaft, which was said to be 3000 years old; the story was obviously meant to be a lampoon (referencing a "primitive shotgun" and allusions to it's massive member). I get the feeling though (in keeping with his connection to the World Explorer's Club) that he doesn't take it all that seriously. This is just my inference however; I think either a bit more upfront skepticism or at least a more light-hearted approach would have benefited this book. Still, this was an enjoyable read. I plan to pick up some more work by the author.

Over-the-hill college dropout does a road trip with his girlfriend across parts of Northern Mexico, Texas, New Mexico and the rest of the desert Southwest and tells tales of ancient civilizations, ruins, artifacts, UFOs and various monsters along the way. Great if you can't get to sleep. Read it. You'll sleep.

I really enjoyed this book a lot. It was hard to put down. The mysteries that Mr. Childress uncovers as he travels the Southwest are intriguing and baffling. I really appreciated that he showed he was not just a researcher, but went into the field, to the locations, talked to locals, gathered information, went to the sites, and came up with the information he presents. The only thing I would like to see more of is his own views on what he finds. He objectively presents the legends and details, but I would like to hear what he thinks of them, having been to these locations and spoken to these people. There is potential for the excited child within to be filled with wonder and excitement and that was lacking. For the information alone and the feeling of trekking along on his jaunts, I give this 5 stars. I plan to read his other books, as well. He is a font of ancient knowledge and curiosity. I respect both of those qualities a lot.

One of his first books. More of a travelogue cum speculative history but still interesting although I could live without the primal male urge to reveal bathroom breaks.

Great product

Disappointed with the condition of this book. It's quite an expensive book and when it arrived it was damaged on the spine, which is significant as this is the view of the book when it's on the bookshelf. I bought it as a father day gift which I will be giving in June but not happy as the recipient may be as disappointed as I am. This is the reason for the 2 stars...