Atlas of invented places

Too beautiful to be true: California as an island, sunken kingdoms, and the earthly paradise – these and other perceived facts have been meticulously recorded by cartographers throughout the centuries in their atlases. Some of these phantoms had surprisingly long lives. For example, an island born of fantasy in the Gulf of Mexico was searched for until 2009, when the search was finally abandoned. Where did this misconception begin? Why were geographical locations recorded that didn't actually exist? And what fascinated people about all these bizarre stories and figures? The historical maps presented here showcase not only some actual discoveries by travelers and explorers but also inventions and errors. Together with engaging accompanying texts, they create an amusing book for browsing, marveling, and wondering.