James W. Mavor — Voyage to Atlantis

New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1969. Leather. A facsimile copy of the original printed manuscript of Mavor's fascinating work. One-sided pages. Details pages printed: e.g. E6594 11 Baskerville, Vince - Machine 11, McQuillan - Machine 11 etc. Appears to be photocopied. Possibly a pre-publication copy. Contains none of the photographs, maps, charts and drawings of the first released edition. Newspaper review of the first released edition taped on to the half-title. Atlantis is a legendary island first mentioned in Plato's dialogues Timaeus and Critias, written about 360 BC. According to Plato, Atlantis was a naval power lying "in front of the Pillars of Hercules" that conquered many parts of Western Europe and Africa 9,000 years before the time of Solon, or approximately 9600 BC. After a failed attempt to invade Athens, Atlantis sank into the ocean "in a single day and night of misfortune". The possible existence of a genuine Atlantis was discussed throughout classical antiquity, but it was usually rejected and occasionally parodied by later authors. Atlantis inspires today's literature, from science fiction to comic books to films. Its name has become a byword for any and all supposed advanced prehistoric lost civilizations. Jame's Mavor led an expedition to discover Atlantis and find the cause of its downfall. He succeeded, recording the history of a cataclysmic natural disaster that sunk the fabled island. Mavor inspired further research into past volcanic eruptions and floods, and brings the myth of Atlantis into the light of scientific reality. In a half calf binding. Externally smart, some shelfwear and marks to the rear board. Internally firmly bound, aside from the half-title which is working loose. Marginal age-toning, but clean throughout with just the very odd spot. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .