Digging for the Truth: One Man's Epic Adventure Exploring the World's Greatest Archaeological Mysteries

by Josh Bernstein

The host of the History Channel's Digging for the Truth presents a behind-the-scenes tour of some of his most interesting and physically challenging adventures, during which he explored the secrets of the Sphinx, traced the Lost Ark of the Covenant to remote sites in Ethiopia, and witnessed a Druid ceremony at Stonehenge. 50,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Archaeology, Travel, Science, Adventure, Audiobook

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who enjoyed The History Channel's Digging for the Truth years ago, this memoir/behind the scenes book with the host, Josh Bernstein is a must. In an endeavor to read more from my own shelves, I came across a pristine copy of this book with receipt. Apparently, I bought it as soon as it released and... did not get right on it. Still, it turns out that I have a good memory for the show from the mid-2ooo's so I was able to have a fabulous time hiking/flying, scuba-diving, and para-gliding down memory lane.

If you're not in the know, Digging for the Truth was a History Channel show, that at the time, was rather innovative blend of history/mystery/travel with a survival specialist for the host and many top name experts joining him on the weekly episodes that explored various historical mysteries or legends ranging from 'Who built the pyramids?', 'Did Leif the Lucky discover the Americas before Columbus?', Easter Island, the Ice Age Man and more. It is exciting and fun for the watcher and I'm pretty sure is responsible for making people change their minds about hating history.

So, this book is written by the host and takes the reader into his own background and then behind the scenes as the host of the show that lasted two and a half seasons, to my knowledge. He's personable and as an already fan, I had a good time learning about the wear and tear, curious off-camera adventures and circumstances, and some cut scene moments that went on.

As to appeal, Digging for the Truth fans are the obvious target audience because of the host and the backdrop to the show that expects the reader to have watched to have the background already. Others who enjoy following a travelogue-memoir of a TV show host would still really enjoy it. Now, I want to go back and see the episodes knowing what I do now about what went on behind the scenes.

[Tessa]

I listened to the first disc of the audiobook and it sounds like this is more about the TV show than actual archaeology. Kind of interesting, but not what I was looking for.

[Todd Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

You know the old aphorism … ‘you can’t judge a book by it’s cover’? Well, I was browsing the audiobook shelves of the local library recently and the photo on the cover of one featuring an Indiana Jones wannabe type and the title Digging for Truth caught my eye. Being in somewhat of a rush, and not paying much attention, I grabbed it thinking it was a popular science book about paleontology or archeology. Either seemed fine at the time.

Turns out, I was wrong ... very, very wrong. Evidently Josh Bernstein (who I’d never heard of) is some cable tv personality (I don’t have cable) who did a show on the History Channel in 2007 by the same name. The book is about the making of the show.

Bernstein begins the book by stating how uncomfortable he is talking about himself, then he proceeds to ... do I even have to say it? ... talk about himself in terms so shamelessly rapturous it would make Narcissus himself throw up in his mouth a little bit. It was not long thereafter when I reached my breaking point as Bernstein began to seriously entertain the ideas of Edgar Cayce, a self-professed clairvoyant, who believed that the Pyramids of Giza were built 12,000 years ago by the survivors of Atlantis after cataclysmic earthquakes caused their civilization to sink into the sea. While this drivel can obviously be dismissed out of hand, it did result in the novel experience of having my eyes roll so far back in my head I could see myself think.

Although curious as to what Bernstein might have to say about the theory that the Sphynx was really a time machine built by Bigfoot to prevent the Illuminati from revealing that the moon landing was a hoax, I ultimately decided I had better things to do (perhaps aimlessly stare off into the middle distance for a while) and I quit the book.

[Karol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never watched the show - now, I would like to! I enjoyed learning about some of the things Josh Bernstein learned in his travels, as well as the behind-the-scenes look at putting the show together.

[Gregg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Guy lands dream job; does nothing to move the ball forward in a host of professional fields; spends a large portion of the book plugging his show, schools or products; and then rubs in your face how cool his life is.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have not seen the television show "Digging for the Truth," I have been intrigued by the archeology of exotic places for some time. This book purports to add information about the "behind the scenes" activities that often are as interesting as the story being told. I have watched various archeological documentaries and read many books about dig sites, so I wanted to learn more. One of my main interests was in Zahi Hawass, the world's most famous archeologist (anyone watching a single Egyptian archeological story has met Hawass). I've seen him so many times on television and wanted to know more about his personality.

After reading the opening chapter or two, Josh Bernstein was imminently qualified to host the show. His background dovetailed so nicely with the needs of the personality presenting this series of shows about archeological sites. I was stunned that this was his first stint in front of the camera. However, this book is a breezy, informal conversation about the personalities, conditions, conflicts, and beliefs surrounding these shows. Josh incorporates his thoughts, emotions, and opinions into the mix, which makes for an entertaining visit behind the scenes.

As I suspected, Zahi Hawass is a primadonna. It was fascinating to watch Josh peel Hawass off the ceiling and appeal to him as an elder statesman to Josh's newbie status. It worked like a charm. Hawass is a professional, but he likes to have his status (as the top honcho) accepted by all.

Josh's story is often light-hearted and entertaining while giving insights into shooting the series. The varied programs cover such interesting sites as the Pyramids, the Lost Ark of the Covenant, Stonehenge, Easter Island, the Lost Tribe of Israel, the sailing trail of the Vikings, and so much more.

Not having seen the series before reading this book, I will watch the extended series soon. I can hardly wait.

[Ben · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope, gave up just a few minutes in. Those few minutes were some of the most smug, conceited drivel I have ever come across in my life. What an unbearable narcissistic phoney! "Well, I've had the most amazing and challenging and brutal adventures of ANY human EVER, but I'm also SUPER shy and private. But I realized some of you peons who have to escape your boring lives-haha, not like mine!- by watching my tv show- haha, INCIDENTALLY, the BEST SELLING SHOW EVER on the History Channel- would find my life story life changingly-inspiring, so I'm going to go COMPLETELY AGAINST my shy, retiring nature and write it all down for that noble cause." (He actually uses the word "noble." Seriously, dude?) "Chapter 1. When I was in my mother's womb, I had a vascular condition. I'M DYING. MY INFANT SELF IS DYING. The surgeon tells my distraught young mother-"

Aaaaaand that's where I chucked in the towel. Maybe it gets better later?

[Warren Benton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernstien was the host of a show on the History Channel called Digging for the Truth.  This book is a little background to the show.  Bernstien talks of the true adventure they were on filming the show.  From going to little-visited parts of the pyramids to Ethiopian temples.  One thing I remember about the TV show and is covered in this book is Bernstien's love of history.

Bernstien is very candid in this book on his impressions of the people and places they visited in the first 2 season of Digging for the Truth.  I was impressed with Bernstien's knowledge and willingness to learn it was contagious.  

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the show and was so sad when it was taken off, but you can still see episodes on YouTube! I read this book years ago & just wanted to read through it again. It’s a behind-the-scenes look of Josh’s travels. I loved the series because it was fascinating and featured some of the biggest of history’s mysteries. If you love travel and history, I highly recommend this book and the series Digging for the Truth (History Channel) & Into the Unknown with Josh Bernstein (Discovery channel).

[Barbie N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hand me down from my father-in-law. I picked it up not expecting to read it, but it grabbed me from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed Josh Bernstein's adventures and his writing style.

[phil breidenbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book about the author filming his TV show, not really about archeology as I thought it would be.

[Tina Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The host brings his adventures behind the scenes of DFT. Very entertaining read!

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

On this read, I chose to watch the episodes mentioned before reading their chapters. Love the additional insight into the making of the episodes. Also love learning about Josh. I've come to respect him so much and hope we cross paths someday. And now I'm off to watch the remaining episodes of season 2!

[Gordon Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book Digging for the Truth, by Josh Bernstien, he told the story of the production of the television series, Digging for the Truth. This book is very good and I highly advise it. This book provides a unique a view for viewers of the series. He writes in an informal style that makes following events easy. Though at times he doesn’t write in chronological order, and there are a few errors, but overall it is a phenomenal read. He also includes many behind the scenes stories and humorous events that couldn’t make it into the final production. He begins with an interesting piece on his younger ages and how he got to be a TV host. You find out little known information like that Josh is a twin! In his next few chapters he details the most interesting stories from season one. He also talks about his very busy schedule that caused him to die. In the next chapters he does the same with the second season, and shares some interesting information on his life during the break between seasons. Finally, he wraps up by saying what he plans for the future, and advice he has for future adventurers. Overall, this book is a must for any fan of the series, or any who have interest in hiking or other outdoorsman activities.

[Laura Cushing]

An interesting behind the scenes look at the show Digging for the Truth. Host Josh Bernstein tells readers about his life pre-show, then about what filming the first two seasons was like.

Though each episode comes together smoothly, there are a lot of difficulties that don't make it onto the screen. Josh has gotten sick from parasites and various diseases and bad food, he's had to face a grueling schedule and sometime wakes up not sure of what part of the world he's in.

Weather conditions, local officials, and things that just plain don't go right are often hampering filming. It's not just about the difficulties of course- there are some great stories and nifty things that didn't make it into the show, and you learn some about the locations visited by reading the book.

I really enjoyed learning about what goes on behind the scenes of one of my favorite History channel shows. Recommended to anyone who likes the series or just wants to learn more about what the filming of a documentary show is like.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book listed in a flyer and thought it looked interesting. I had not seen an episode of the TV series, but I did watch an episode about Atlantis before I read the book.

This book is about Josh Bernstein and how he became host of Digging for the Truth and his adventures while shooting. You don't realize how extensive and exhausting his travels are. The book goes through the first two seasons of the show. Each cahapter he dwells into the history of the subject investigated, (pyramids, Ark of the Covenant, the Iceman, El Dorado, the moai on Easter Island, Stonehenge, the Vikings in North America, Queen of Sheba, and lost cities of the Amazon), and then goes into his adventure shooting the episode. There are a lot of neat pictures and sideboxes with various bits of interesting information.

After reading this book, I ended up getting the first three seasons on DVD and watching them all. I do understand why he quit the show after three seasons!

[Ellen Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to be Josh Bernstein! Could there be any more interesting, exciting life than to travel the world for a television series investigating historical mysteries such as the Pyramids of Egypt, the identity of the real Queen of Sheba and lost cities of the Amazon? Bernstein does all that and more in this book. It's part memoir, part travelogue, part how-to about his real-life adventures working on the History Channel's Digging for the Truth. Even though I never saw the show, I completely enjoyed these visits to Ethiopia, Yemen, Peru and more, digging for clues to unsolved riddles, but without having to suffer chiggers, intestinal parasites or any of the other exotic hazards that Bernstein braved. Fans of the show will probably enjoy the book even more.

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to be Josh Bernstein. I so admire his education and the many opportunities he has taken to learn many aspects of learning. To go to many places all around the world is absolutely awesome to me. I was terrified however when he got bit by a brown recluse spider. I kind of freaked there. To study mummy's, Stone Henge, Easter Island, Iceland, and that is the tip of the iceberg. His TV show on the History Channel is called Digging for the Truth (DFT). It is getting absolutely terrific ratings. I would love to learn just a portion of what he has and to be able to use it in such a fascinating way. Go Josh!!!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I liked reading about the behind-the-scenes things that went on DFT, and the things Josh Bernstein had experienced. You don't realize before reading this book how crazy the shooting schedules are, and how much work is put into making the show. I have watched the show before and I liked it as well. I liked the organization in the book too. There were neat side boxes that explained subjects Bernstein was talking about, and the pages were filled with interesting visuals.

[Sondra Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh Bernstein hates when you call his hat a fedora. He insists it is a cowboy hat. I say that no self-respecting cowboy would wear a hat ill-equipped to keep rain from running down one's face and neck, but Josh Bernstein is cute and smart and delivers a well-written, inside-but-not-TMI look at his world, our world, and the worlds of our past.

Here's to making everyone check out of the Paris Hilton and into the Luxor.

[Angie slusser · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like the show then this will give you a little more incite into the travel and how archaeology is not like the indiana jones movies. josh makes fun of himself as he travels through territory that he is not used to and some places that are not keen to have outsiders. It is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josh Bernstein's memoir about his experience making his show "Digging for the Truth." It really took the romance out of extensive travel and made me grateful that there are people like Josh who do these travels so that people like me can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ups and downs of their travel adventures. I've never seen the show, but would like to see it in re-run at some point.

[Mark Boszko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I pretty much just got this book because I was mentioned in the foreword/thanks, and thought it would be a nice memento of the time I spent working on the show. Nice to have some of the stories I heard floating around the office codified into book form. Of course there are other stories that will never get printed…

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining but if I had watched the series I would probably not have liked it as much since he pretty much re-hashed the first few seasons. He did give behind the scenes stories but I expected more about the author. Not a page turner but easy to read. The personality of the author came through and I felt he would be a fun guy to hang out with.

[Rosie Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slightly unsubstantial book about Josh Bernstein, the host of Digging for the Truth on the History Channel.
A good portion of the books deals with the choosing and setting up of the archeological sights, with some of the programs thrown in. A nice casual read.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a book about the tv show. It had lots of interesting tidbits in it. I would have liked to have seen a bit more info on some of the stories, but overall I thought it was a fun read.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid tie-in to the TV show, and the behind-the-scenes info makes it much clearer just how much effort goes into creating the show and presenting its stories.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book to read, much like the TV show. The style is pretty fast paced, at times though the author gets a bit more personal, which may or may not appeal to the readers.

[Crrrazyhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book the major archaeological finds and their inpact. Also a good story on how Mr. Bernstein unde up in his dream job.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

modern day "kinda" indiana jones.