The Phantom Atlas

‘The Phantom Atlas describes some 50 “myths, lies and blunders” and illustrates them in delightful detail…deserve[s] a place on the coffee table, but only after it’s been read: there is as much to absorb as to see.’ – John Ure * Country Life * ‘Fascinating … and beautifully illustrated’ – Rosamund Urwin * Evening Standard * Exquisitely produced... Gorgeous illustrations of countries and islands that were once thought to exist...For any fans of maps this is a must' * The Australian *The fascination and beauty of maps both emerge clearly in this well-written, witty and thoughtful book…this is a spirited and enjoyable study’ * Standpoint * One of the most beautiful books I've ever seen in my life...full of fascinating quirky things.' -- Jen Campbell, author Weird Things Customers Say in BookshopsA rich selection… [that] shows how lively minds made use of limited knowledge, but also how rumour, guesswork and downright lies can persist in the scholarly imagination.’ * The Economist * From the magnetic mountain at the north pole to Australia's inland sea, Edward Brooke-Hitching charts five centuries of misrepresentative maps.' * The Guardian *Unreservedly recommended’ * The Monocle * Excellent... Arranged alphabetically in fifty-eight short chapters, with lavish deployment of illustrations, the book provides a captivating chronicle of our battle with ignorance' * Literary Review *Extraordinary’ * Historia Magazine * Beautiful... Brooke-Hitching [has] an eye for a good story and his book is gloriously illustrated with ancient mistaken maps, each accompanied by a thoroughly researched tale of the men whose errors led to them.' * Daily Express *This intriguing book…shows how places that aren’t there can endure, sometimes for centuries, once a map-maker has inked them in’ * The Times * Beautifully illustrated...brain-boggling...an excursion into the minds of men imagining an as yet uncharted world' * Spectator *A spectacular, enjoyable and eye-opening read… A wonderful book, with beautiful illustrations throughout’ – Jonathan Ross `A bonkers book…Highly recommended’ – Andrew Marr

The son of an antiquarian book dealer, Edward Brooke-Hitching became an award-winning documentary director making films that examine the eccentric side of British life. He lives in London.

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