Subject
Atlantis (Legendary place) Books
Best books
Ignatius Donnelly
Atlantis: The Antedeluvian World
"Atlantis: The Antediluvian World" by Ignatius Donnelly is a pseudoarchaeological book published in 1882. Donnelly argues that Plato's Atlantis was real and that all ancient civilizations descended from this lost continent. He presents thirteen hypotheses claiming Atlantis was humanity's cradle of civilization, linking ancient myths, languages, and technologies across continents. The work blends catastrophic legends with theories about racial origins, reflecting late nineteenth-century American anxieties about industrialization and decline while profoundly shaping modern Atlantis mythology.
Daniel Wilson
The lost Atlantis, and other ethnographic studies
"The Lost Atlantis and Other Ethnographic Studies" by Sir Daniel Wilson is a collection of ethnographic essays written in the late 19th century. This scholarly work explores various legends, including the myth of Atlantis, and examines the ethnological and historical implications of these narratives in the context of human civilization. Wilson aims to unravel the connections between prehistoric cultures and civilizations across the globe, engaging with both ancient traditions and emerging scientific inquiries of his time. The opening of the book begins with the preface by Sybil Wilson, who reflects on her father’s (Sir Daniel Wilson’s) scholarly dedication despite his declining health. She introduces the primary focus of the study, which is the legend of Atlantis as recounted by Plato, and its subsequent interpretations and speculative theories over the centuries. The text outlines the cultural and historical significance of Atlantis, alongside a critical perspective on its mythological dimensions, suggesting that the legend may have roots in genuine ancient traditions of a lost civilization, while also acknowledging the limits of scientific validation regarding claims of tangible evidence related to Atlantis. Furthermore, Wilson sets the scene for a deeper analysis of other ethnographic subjects in the subsequent chapters, hinting at his broader explorations of ancient human migratory patterns and cultural interactions.
W. (William) Scott-Elliot
The Story of Atlantis and the Lost Lemuria
"The Story of Atlantis and the Lost Lemuria" by W. Scott-Elliot is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. The work explores the fabled civilizations of Atlantis and Lemuria, delving into their geographical, historical, and ethnological significance. The author examines the rise and fall of these ancient societies to provide insights into the broader context of human evolution and civilization. At the start of the book, the author presents a preface that discusses the significance of clairvoyance and psychic powers in historical research, particularly in exploring the past. W. Scott-Elliot emphasizes that traditional methods of historical investigation often overlook the potential insights provided by psychic faculties. The opening also outlines the importance of understanding the civilization of Atlantis, its various sub-races, and the calamities that led to its downfall, setting the stage for a detailed examination of these ancient cultures. By establishing a connection between past events and modern understanding, the author aims to illustrate the relevance of ancient histories in framing our current and future societal developments.
Ignatius Donnelly
Ragnarok : the Age of Fire and Gravel
"Ragnarok: The Age of Fire and Gravel" by Ignatius Donnelly is a book published in 1883. Donnelly proposes that a massive comet struck Earth 12,000 years ago, destroying an advanced civilization and plunging survivors into a dark age. He supports his theory with geological evidence from the Great Lakes, chemically altered rocks, and ancient myths from cultures worldwide describing cosmic catastrophe, fire, floods, and prolonged darkness.
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