Pocket Atlas

A smaller, pocket edition of the beautiful ATLAS OF REMOTE ISLANDS, this is Judith Schalansky's deeply personal and scientific account of the islands that have held a place in her heart throughout her lifelong love of maps and atlases. Using historic events and scientific reports as a springboard, author Judith Schalanksy creates a story around each island: fantastical, inscrutable stories, imagined realities for surviving on a few square meters of land. Rare animals and strange people abound: from marooned slaves to lonely scientists, lost explorers to confused lighthouse keepers, mutinous sailors to forgotten castaways, upstanding convicts to officials exiled in punishment; in short, a collection of Robinson Crusoes, whether of their own free will or not. This extraordinary atlas's charm lies not least in its intricate and beautiful design.