I have had a long interest in metal detecting, but never enough knowledge to really get into the hobby and enjoy it. Now I do.

This book does an excellent job 6explaining the history of metal detecting and detectors. It goes through the various types available, and the types of jobs they are suitable for. This is an excellent guide for anyone looking to get started in metal detecting. I would definitely read this book before purchasing a metal detector! I recently bought my husband a metal detector, and it wasn't powerful enough. I wish I had read this book first!

A Guide to Metal Detecting is a comprehensive beginner friendly primer by Graeme Rushton. Due out later in 2021 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 80 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a well written introduction to tools, materials, techniques, and hardware necessary for metal detecting as a hobby. The author writes well and presents information in a logical and accessible manner. Although the legalities and codes about which he writes are slanted to readers in the UK (he writes specifically at length about England, Wales, and Cumbria, and includes links to information for Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man) the general theory about seeking/gaining site permissions, beach searches, registering finds, finding a group/mentors, and good behaviour are applicable to detectorists anywhere in the world.

The book has a good basic primer on choosing the right detector (including a very short understandable section on the technology), some guidance for sweeping techniques, registering finds, sensible clothing choices, finding search locations (and getting permissions), and other nuts-and-bolts considerations when starting with the hobby.

Additionally (and what fascinated me most), the book is FULL of really excellent photos of finds which the author and acquaintances have made over the years. The last chapter has a selection of the really amazing hoards and spectacular finds which have been made. The Grouville hoard weighed in at a stupendous 750kg. There are also descriptions and photos for the Middleham Jewel, the Frome hoard (shown in-situ in the huge urn in which it was found), and the Silverdale hoard. Interspersed between these descriptions, the text is peppered with really cool detail pictures of period coins which had me looking at online resources.

I guess for most detectorists, the tantalizing promise of maybe making an important find and contributing something of real worth to our understanding of the distant past sits side by side with maybe actually holding a tangible link with something which has been lying hidden for more than a thousand years. I also liked that the author spent some time talking about beach finds of modern jewelry, wedding bands and the like, and about the satisfaction of reuniting them with their owners.

Five stars.This would be an excellent selection for library acquisition, walking and local history groups, or home library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

4.5 Stars! This is a comprehensive guide to metal detecting. I’ve been wanting to get into metal detecting as I live in a rural area in the USA where George Washington and his troops are known to have camped in. My brother found a button from a confederate soldier’s uniform near my parents barn and I can’t wait to see what’s out there with a metal detector! I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in metal detecting. Tons of information on what kind of equipment is needed, what isn’t, and tips on everything in between. The author even writes about where to metal detect, how to go about getting permission and shows photos of things people have found by metal detecting. Very interesting book! I do wish the author had shared more personal stories of his findings, other than that this was a great & informative book!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

This was a fascinating insight into the hobby of metal detecting. Aimed primarily at audiences in the UK, this book covers the equipment you will need to start searching, the different types of detectors, rules, regulations and guidelines surrounding the hobby, and generally *HOW* to do it.
It focusses on the search for ancient artifacts (so those looking at prospecting for gold and silver nuggets in the outback may not find much of use in the book)., and explores the potential history surrounding such artifacts. There are plenty of resources provided to assist with this research.
The final section of the book explores the Big Hauls that have been found. It's tantalising to think one may find something like that during an afternoon of fossicking!
Whatever you unearth - leave the land as you found it

~ Many thanks to NetGalley and Pen&Sword Publishers for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review~

Great introduction to metal detecting for anyone wishing to start doing it as a hobby or those who just want to know what it is all about. The book is about metal detecting the UK with some information specific information about Ireland and Scotland. As an America reader, the book is informative though does not address doing metal detecting in the USA. The author does provide basic codes of conduct that should also apply in other countries. There is information about what equipment one should have, how to get the right detector for the type of detecting you plan to do, and suggestions of places to detect at and how to do research to find possibly productive spots. For those in the UK, the author provides useful information on how to report treasure and what needs to be reported along with suggested further readings. There is a chapter on how to preserve and care for the treasures you find. The last chapter is a fascinating look at some amazing finds by detectorists along with photos of the finds. This book is sure to inspire some readers to go out and start detecting!

This is a great read for the budding enthusiast. Those who are starting their detecting journey will find it a great resource. Thank you.

Who hasn’t dreamed of finding pirate treasure, a hoard of Roman coins, or just fallen in love with The Detectorists? Rushton provides practical information about they type of gear needed, how to use it, where to detect and how to get land owner permission (an absolute essential). For beginners, novices and even those with a few hours of detecting under their belts, this is a handy and informative guide