Customer Reviews

Atlas of the Mysterious in North America

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An attempt was made to pack a lot of information into this slender book. There are numerous sightings or locations listed, but only extremely brief details about each (usually a couple of sentences).
There are some statements that make me think the author wasn't too critical or thoughtful in screening the information listed--In one case, witnesses are quoted as hearing the whistle of a sailing ship blow. Don't count on being able to locate specific places, even for listings such as stone circles. Very little information or specifics are provided in most cases.
As the previous reviewer stated, Mexico is ignored. The rich heritage of "mysteriousness" in Hawaii is also ignored, though this is more geographically justifiable. The book has numerous illustrations and photographs, but they are not of very good quality.
If you are considering purchase of this book, I'd suggest considering Salvatore M. Trento's regional guides instead.

This is kind of an interesting book for anyone who is really, REALLY interested in all that is mysterious in North America. Unfortunately, I found the book to be too centered on the United States and Canada, with little mention of anything in Mexico. This was quite disappointing, as I had picked up the book in large part to try and find out about some of the Mayan and Aztec sites in the region. Also, many of the entries were far too brief. Sometimes the lack of information was almost criminal, with little explanation for why the site was included in such a survey. If you are looking for a book that covers all of the US and Canada, this would be a good book. If you require a more in-depth analysis of a SPECIFIC area or type of site, then there are better books out there. I would recommend A Natural History of the Unnatural World for a humorous title (it never takes itself too seriously). This one is one to be left on the shelf for most people.

I really expected more. This book was interesting, but it just didn't give enough to be called an atlas.