Atlas of Improbable Places

‘A delightful compendium of the strangest places on the planet.’ 

DAILY TELEGRAPH 

Travel in search of the obscure and bizarre, the beautiful and arcane in a unique atlas showing the modern world from surprising new vantage points. 

Discover the macabre Island of Dolls. Wonder at San Juan Parangaricutiro’s church tower, the sole survivor in a town sunk by lava. Explore Beijing and Berlin’s labyrinths, home to both refugees and espionage. Marvel at nature’s own extraordinary masterpieces: the magical underground river shaped like a dragon’s mouth in the Philippines and Palmerston, a floating world. 

The truths and myths behind these hidden lairs, forgotten cities and improbable wonders are as varied and intriguing as the destinations themselves. Acclaimed author and social commentator Travis Elborough is a marvellous travel guide to the world’s most unusual corners on this fascinating voyage through geography, taking travel writing to new heights. 

‘This engrossing book traverses the heights and depths, the beauty and terror, of our world.’ 

THE OBSERVER 

‘Understatedly expressive’ 

NEW YORK TIMES 

‘Deeply researched – and really worth your time’GQ