Book Review - The Accidental Detectorist by Nigel Richardson

 

* Today it is my stop on the Random Things Book Tour for: The Accidental Detectorist by Nigel Richardson. Thank you to Anne and Octopus Books for sending me a copy, in exchange for an honest review.

My Review:

As a history and archaeology fanatic, I do feel I should tell you where I stand on metal detecting before I share my book review, I know it can be a touchy subject within our community!

I do agree with metal detecting, IF it’s done with a love of history and not monetary gain; the detecting is done legally, with the landowners’ permission; find spots are accurately recorded, artefacts are removed/stored carefully, and finds are reported to a FLO. And finally, no bloody nighthawking! Right, after that rather long-winded start, let’s get on with the book review!

Some of our greatest archaeological treasures have been found by detectorists, such as The Staffordshire Hoard. The hobby has gained more popularity in recent years thanks to TV shows like The Detectorists, Hoard Hunters and Henry Cole's Great British Treasure Hunt. There are also many popular accounts on Instagram and YouTube dedicated to metal detecting. Nigel Richardson’s fantastic new book ‘The Accidental Detectorist’ tells the story of the author’s journey into detecting. Richardson, a travel writer, is unable to travel abroad during lockdown and so starts to write a monthly newspaper column about Britain. Influenced by his solitary rambles, and the TV show The Detectorists, he decided his next column should be about metal detecting. It’s not long before he’s done his research and bought his very own detector!

I absolutely loved this book. As well as telling the story about Nigel’s first accidental steps into detecting, the book is packed with useful information for the beginner, witty one liners and advice from other hobbyists. I enjoyed reading about the sense of community within the hobby, it reminds us how history can bring us together. I was also very much routing for him to find a hammered coin! I really appreciated that the author discussed nighthawking (the looting of archaeological sites), and the importance of reporting finds to your local Finds Liaison Officer etc. As well as being a thoroughly entertaining read, I think a newbie to the hobby would find this down to earth book really helpful. Highly recommended!

Available to buy now: HERE (Please check and support your local bookshops first!)

Please visit the rest of the book tour: