Atlas of Remote Islands

WINNER OF THE GERMAN ARTS FOUNDATION PRIZE FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK OF THE YEAR. Born on the wrong side of the Berlin Wall, the only way Judith Schalansky could travel as a child was through the pages of an atlas. Now she has created her own, which takes us across the oceans of the world to fifty remote islands - from Iwo Jima to Tristan da Cunha and from Easter Island to Disappointment Island. On one page are her perfect maps, on the other unfold cryptic stories from the islands. Rare animals and strange people abound- marooned slaves and lonely scientists, lost explorers and confused lighthouse keepers, mutinous sailors and forgotten castaways. Armchair explorers who undertake these journeys will find themselves in places that exist in reality, but only come to life in the imagination. 'To open this utterly enchanting book is to turn into Robinson Crusoe - for a while at least.' Die Zeit 'A gorgeous concoction. Many attractive books are published every year but this one inspires beautiful thoughts...Next time you're thinking of a budget break, buy this instead; rarely has armchair travel been so far-flung and romantic.' Time Outbook of the week 'charming, spooky and splendid' New Yorker 'I fell deeply in love with this book' National Geographic