Into the Antiquities Trade is a true story that documents the author’s global exploits in the international antiquities trade. Mr. Cheek, one of the few real-life “relic hunters,” spans the globe in search of rare ancient works of art, giving the reader an intoxicating glimpse into the inner workings of the trade through an international cast of characters.

The author expands on the trade’s current political situation and clarifies a myriad of opinions, while stressing his viewpoint that “there is no better preserver of ancient art than the private collector.”

Into the Antiquities Trade is a “must read” for every collector of ancient art and is a resource for both the neophyte and the advanced collector.

Into the Antiquities Trade is a true story that documents the author’s global exploits in the international antiquities trade. Mr. Cheek, one of the few real-life “relic hunters,” spans the globe in search of rare ancient works of art, giving the reader an intoxicating glimpse into the inner workings of the trade through an international cast of characters.

The author expands on the trade’s current political situation and clarifies a myriad of opinions, while stressing his viewpoint that “there is no better preserver of ancient art than the private collector.”

Into the Antiquities Trade is a “must read” for every collector of ancient art and is a resource for both the neophyte and the advanced collector.

An ancient “bone-box” is found in Israel. An American magazine publisher secures lucrative deals before igniting a media firestorm. Is this the “coffin” of James, brother of Jesus? A specialist in ancient writing systems cries forgery. Another researcher comes to a startling conclusion—there is a “phantom name” missing from this “equation.” Brushing away the cobwebs and contradictions, Mary and the Ossuary is the real story beneath the “Brother of Jesus” forgery. Hitting hard with the evidence, Ian Ransom bares all the hidden agendas in a detective story that journeys deep into the ancient past and shatters the “bone-box” forever.

An ancient “bone-box” is found in Israel. An American magazine publisher secures lucrative deals before igniting a media firestorm. Is this the “coffin” of James, brother of Jesus? A specialist in ancient writing systems cries forgery. Another researcher comes to a startling conclusion—there is a “phantom name” missing from this “equation.” Brushing away the cobwebs and contradictions, Mary and the Ossuary is the real story beneath the “Brother of Jesus” forgery. Hitting hard with the evidence, Ian Ransom bares all the hidden agendas in a detective story that journeys deep into the ancient past and shatters the “bone-box” forever.