Atlas of the Unexpected: Haphazard Discoveries, Chance Places and Unimaginable Destinations (Unexpected Atlases)

Atlas of the Unexpected is a journey to far-off lands, obscure discoveries and unimaginable locations, with 45 beautiful, unique maps and evocative photography.

A New Statesman Best Book of 2018

Take an armchair voyage to places both infamous and unknown that have, often by chance or by haphazard means, been destinations of discovery that make up our world today. Learn about the accidental discovery or Vaseline. Set foot on the aptly named Just Enough Room Island. Chart the royal romance that led shipwrecked lovers to discover the purple rock of Madeira. Follow in the footsteps of a stray goat who led its keeper to uncover lost ancient biblical scrolls. These are the world's most wondrous, improbable and—most of all—unexpected of places.

"Travis Elborough writes about a wide range of subjects with originality, learning and charm. Atlas of the Unexpected . . . is seductively beautiful: an inspiring, dream-inducing guide to almost four dozen 'haphazard discoveries, chance places and unimaginable destinations'." —David Kynaston, New Statesman

Also in the Unexpected Atlas series: Atlas of Untamed Places, Atlas of Improbable Places, Atlas of Vanishing Places.