The Phantom Atlas: A Journey Through Mythical Cartography

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Explore the art and science of map-making through The Phantom Atlas, a remarkable work by Edward Brooke-Hitching. This book delves into the history of how the world has been perceived through the lens of cartography, featuring maps that illustrate how people once envisioned the globe.

Unveiling the Myths

In this captivating collection, readers will find:

• Non-existent islands that sparked the imagination of many explorers.
• Invented mountain ranges that never graced the Earth’s surface.
• Mythical civilizations that were the stuff of legend.
• Fictitious geography that highlights the creativity of early mapmakers.
• Sea monsters depicted in various ancient maps, showcasing fears of the unknown.

This exploration into the fallacies of historical map-making not only enriches our understanding of geography but also provides insight into the human psyche’s quest for discovery and understanding.

Conclusion

The Phantom Atlas serves as a reminder of the whimsical and often inaccurate lens through which we have viewed our world. By presenting these historical misinterpretations, Edward Brooke-Hitching invites us to reflect on our current understanding of the planet, urging us to appreciate both the advancements and the follies of cartography.