Forrest Fenn’s release of The Thrill of the Chase treasure hunt book, introduced many of us to Forrest Fenn for the first time…… But what books had he previously published? Below is the list of books he has written. Will there be more? (most likely)…

Besides a short summary of what each book is about, I also share the heartwarming dedications Forrest writes inside the books. Some of them instantly give a sense of the magical journey you will travel on while turning the pages.

The Thrill of the Chase (2010)

While not Forrest’s first book, it must first be mentioned, as it is this book which began the Chase for so many people around the world and introduced most of us to Forrest Fenn.  The Thrill of the Chase is Forrest’s initial memoir, which includes the now legendary poem, that when followed precisely, will lead a searcher to an amazing treasure hidden somewhere in the Rocky Mountains north of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The book is short of just 150 pages, but the words on those pages, and the images within, offer a powerful glimpse into Forrest’s extraordinary years. The tales dare searchers to depart on a mission to find treasure. Not just his treasure, but those which can discovered by venturing out of the ordinary.  

With the quote…

“Life is a game of poker,

Happiness is the pot.

Fate deals you four cards and a joker,

And you play whether you like it or not.”

… Forrest dedicated this book to ‘those who love the thrill of the chase.’

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Too Far to Walk (2013)

Three years into the Chase, searchers were craving to learn more about Forrest Fenn.  Forrest answered their call with the curiously titled book, Too Far to Walk. The map at the end of the book added to the title’s playfulness.

Like his first memoir, Forrest delightfully shares his incredible experiences and tales of his past, captivating all.

With the quote…

Oh, tell me wise sir,

Where are the treasures?

And the wise man replied,

“Wherever you find them.”

…Forrest dedicated too far to walk  (all lower caps) to ‘all who have pushed me against my will, and made me a better person.’

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Once Upon A While (2017) and Once Upon A While (Revised 2018)

Described as the third memoir by Forrest Fenn, Forrest resumes his sharing of a life lived.  It’s clear he took to heart the quote, ‘life has no limitations’. Forrest is known to always test the limits, seek the edges; for if you don’t, you have no idea how far you can go.

The stories continue to inspire, not only searchers of his hidden chest of gold, but anyone who desires to say, ‘Once Upon a While’, I …….’   The saying you only live once is wrong. You live every day.  Through these published ‘scrapbooks’, I feel Forrest is reminding us of this valuable wisdom.

Forrest dedicated this book to ‘all of my experiences both good and bad. You taught me so much.’

After the initial publication of Once Upon A While, Forrest released a revised edition.  The revisions are often thought by some searchers to be possible ‘clues’.  Are they?

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Educating Ardi (2019)

Forrest’s first children’s book is produced in limited quantity of 100 copies. It will not be for sale. The dedication reads:

“This book is dedicated to Great Grandma Kiki. Thanks for 66 great years”

Kiki is the nickname for Forrest’s Wife, Peggy. The book was announced to the Chase Community here: Scrapbook 246

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Leon Gaspard: The Call of Distant Places (2015)

The biography of Leon Gaspard (1882-1964), a Russian born painter of the Taos Valley, begged to be written by Forrest Fenn after he acquired Gaspard’s estate.  Forrest found himself with many personal files, photos, and stories, that could not be kept silent. The incredible canvas they painted for Forrest, needed to be shared. The book of 408 pages is a visual stroll through the life of Gaspard. There is an abundance of colorful works filling the pages, along with intimate stories told.

Forrest dedicated this book to ‘the memory of Leon Gaspard, whose brushstrokes and softly spoken stories enriched our lives with an everlasting splash of color.’

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Books by Forrest Fenn Written before the The Thrill of the Chase:

Seventeen Dollars a Square Inch (2007)

Seventeen Dollars a Square Inch shares numerous and exceptional works by Eric Sloane (1905-1985), an American landscape painter, illustrator, and author.  Forrest and Eric were best friends, and as the dust jacket divulges, the book is ‘almost a recorded conversation between two friends who shared a common interest and the love of simple things and simpler times.’

What the dust jacket doesn’t prepare you for is how you will feel like you are perusing a museum of priceless art. Forrest is not stingy with his sharing of images. They, along with the tales within, shine a light back through times forgotten.  We are encouraged to remember, and value them, once more.

Forrest dedicated this book to ‘all of the warped and broken wooden boards that lay lost and forgotten beside the many barns and covered bridges that were so loved by Eric Sloane, and to the rusted nails whose stories he didn’t live to tell.’

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Historic American Indian Dolls (2007)

Forrest carefully describes and generously shares images of his Crowd of 58 in this book.  The crowd is his collection of precious Indian dolls.  I love the story of what first inspired Forrest to write about these colorful characters.  I share the short snippet below:

“So, as I sat there past midnight in the solitude I had grown to treasure, I heard a different sound, faint but somehow compelling.  What could it be?  I thought.  Beside my desk at banco level there came infrequent whispers from the failing fire, but they could not have been the cause of my distraction.  Then I glanced over at the dolls.  There were, crowded on a table against the west wall, all 58 of them, and they were staring at me as if they couldn’t believe I was ignoring them.  Suddenly I was convinced that I was seeing disappointment in their eyes.  Was it their voices I had heard, quietly begging me to tell their story?  It was at that instant that I decided to write this book.”

That paragraph captures what readers will find within the pages- the many whispers and secrets of his Indian Doll collection. 

Forrest dedicated this book to ‘little Piper who is the newest doll in my collection, and to her grandmother Kiki, who has given me the gift of time to think, and time to write.’

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The Secrets of San Lazaro Pueblo (2004)

The Secrets of San Lazaro Pueblo details many archeological discoveries of the ancient site known as San Lazaro. Forrest, once a private owner of the historical site, carefully and expertly excavated the ruins. The last paragraph of the preface shares what the book is all about:

“We have decided to say what we wish in a conversational tone as we look at the objects from San Lazaro and consider the mysteries and secrets that surround them. So if you have an open mind and a romantic bent, please pull up a cushioned chair and come in a little closer. We will try to hand you something.”

On a sidenote: My husband and I had the immense pleasure of visiting the San Lazaro Pueblo with Forrest.  It was actually artifacts, known as ‘gaming pieces’ found during Forrest’s excavations there, that first fostered Forrest and our’s friendship.  (story here).

Forrest’s dedication of this book reads:

“If you love the lore and the lure of ancient places and things, this volume is dedicated to you. May the stories herein keep you forever asking and searching.”

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The Genius of Nicolai Fechin (2001)

Like Forrest’s other books on famed artists, The Genius of Nicolai Fechin, not only explores the artist himself, but its pages overflow with the artist’s masterpieces. Fechin (1881- 1955) was a Russian-American painter whose works often featured Native Americans.  Forrest’s unique style of writing and perspective presents a captivating look into ‘The Genius of Nicolai Fechin’.  A deep appreciation and understanding for the title is found, as you pass through the pages.

Forrest dedicated this book to ‘all who have sensed the wanderlust, and to Shiloh, Mika, Lucca, Hannah, Noah, and little Sam, who surely will.’

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Teepee Smoke (The Beat of the Drum and Whoop of the Dance) (1983 and 2007)

The Beat of the Drum and Whoop of the Dance was first published in 1983. Forrest revised this book, gave it the new title, Teepee Smoke, in 2007.  The books provide a fascinating look into the life and works of Joseph Henry Sharp (1859- 1953).  Sharp was an American painter and founding member of the Taos Society of Artists. 

Forrest’s dedication reads:

To Peggy

Who still endures.

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The African Animals of W.R. Leigh (1980) Out of Print

The African Animals of W.R. Leigh was a special edition, goatskin bound, 32 page book, which included 48 drawings and sketches of African wildlife by William Robinson Leigh.  Leigh had made two trips to Africa in the 1920’s and shared his artistic talent within this finely made book for Fenn Galleries.  It is currently out of print.

Forrest’s dedication reads:

“Dedicated to Marvin and Lillie Fenn whose spirits are forever alive”

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