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Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders Hardcover – September 20, 2016

4.7 out of 5 stars 2,387

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It's time to get off the beaten path. Inspiring equal parts wonder and wanderlust, Atlas Obscura celebrates over 700 of the strangest and most curious places in the world.

Talk about a bucket list: here are natural wonders—the dazzling glowworm caves in New Zealand, or a baobob tree in South Africa that's so large it has a pub inside where 15 people can drink comfortably. Architectural marvels, including the M.C. Escher-like stepwells in India. Mind-boggling events, like the Baby Jumping Festival in Spain, where men dressed as devils literally vault over rows of squirming infants. Not to mention the Great Stalacpipe Organ in Virginia, Turkmenistan's 40-year hole of fire called the Gates of Hell, a graveyard for decommissioned ships on the coast of Bangladesh, eccentric bone museums in Italy, or a weather-forecasting invention that was powered by leeches, still on display in Devon, England.

Created by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton, ATLAS OBSCURA revels in the weird, the unexpected, the overlooked, the hidden and the mysterious. Every page expands our sense of how strange and marvelous the world really is. And with its compelling descriptions, hundreds of photographs, surprising charts, maps for every region of the world, it is a book to enter anywhere, and will be as appealing to the armchair traveler as the die-hard adventurer.

Anyone can be a tourist. ATLAS OBSCURA is for the explorer.

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From the Publisher

Join the global community of explorers and feed your curiosity with Atlas Obscura
"A wanderlust-whetting cabinet of curiosities on paper." - New York Times

Explore curious and unusual destinations like...

Egypt's white desert, white sand resembling a mushroom cloud

Australia's big things; a giant boxing crocodile

Canada's Diefenbunker; an industrial tunnel

Poland's crooked forest; twisted trees on a forest floor

Egypt's White Desert

Australia's Big Things

Canada's Diefenbunker

Poland's Crooked Forest

Atlas Obscura Wild Life Atlas Obscura second edition Gastro Obscura The Explorer's Library Atlas Obscura Explorers Guide for Kids
Atlas Obscura: Wild Life Atlas Obscura, 2nd Edition: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide The Explorer's Library: Books That Inspire Wonder The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
2,245
4.7 out of 5 stars
1,673
4.6 out of 5 stars
25
4.8 out of 5 stars
1,407
Price $40.00 $20.66 $14.30 $46.99 $18.90
Also Available from Atlas Obscura A nature book like no other---a dazzling, over-the-top collection of the world's most extraordinary wild species that takes you to all seven continents and beyond. It's more than a field guide–it's an adventure. This second edition takes readers to even more curious and unusual destinations, with more than 100 new places, dozens and dozens of new photographs, and two very special features. Created by the ever-curious minds behind Atlas Obscura, this breathtaking guide transforms our sense of what people around the world eat and drink. The Explorer’s Library combines the two New York Times bestselling guides from Atlas Obscura, packaged in a slipcase that evokes the timeless allure of travel. It is the perfect gift for the person who lets curiosity be their compass. Embark on the journey of a lifetime—and see how faraway places have more in common than you might expect! This book is your passport to a world of hidden wonders, illuminated by gorgeous art.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A wanderlust-whetting cabinet of curiosities on paper” —The New York Times

“Fair warning: It's addictive.” —
NPR, “Cosmos & Culture”

“In this gorgeous collection, the celebrated Atlas Obscura website is condensed into 480 pages of awe-inspiring destinations. For lovers of history and exploration, the striking color photographs will spark immediate wanderlust.” —
Entertainment Weekly

“Odds are you won’t get past three pages without being amazed at something truly strange that you didn’t know existed.” —
San Francisco Chronicle

“Richly illustrated, delightfully strange, this compendium of off-beat destinations should spark many adventures, both terrestrial and imaginary.” —
Boston Globe

“This book is PACKED with wonderful, amazing, fascinating places all around the world. This is the perfect gift for the person who thinks they’ve done it all and seen it all because this shows that there’s so much more in the world to explore. It’s a wonderful, wonderful coffee table book.” —NBC, “TODAY”

“A perfect tome for the armchair explorer and the actual traveler alike.” —
Austin American Statesman

“The most addictive book of the year.” —Colin McEnroe, WNPR

“Whether describing a Canadian museum that showcases world history through shoes, a pet-casket company that will also sell you a unit for your severed limb, a Greek snake festival, or a place in the Canary Islands where inhabitants communicate through whistling, the authors have compiled an enthralling range of oddities. Featuring full-color illustrations, this hefty and gorgeously produced tome will be eagerly pored over by readers of many ages and fans of the original website.”—
Booklist (Starred Review)

“If this compendium of the weirdest, wackiest, and most wonderful destinations on the planet doesn't fill you with insatiable wanderlust, then you need to check your pulse.” —mental_floss

“This is the fun way, a deep dive (sometimes literally) into places you’d never find otherwise, the weird and wild wonders of the world.” —
WIRED

“The book is for people who prefer to live like locals when they travel, seek out new cultures on vacation, or just prefer the weirdness of history to traditional by-the-book experiences. Even if you can’t travel,
Atlas Obscura is a window into places you’d otherwise never know existed.” —lifehacker

“A travel guide for the most adventurous of tourists . . . a wonderful browse [for] armchair travelers who enjoyed Brandon Stanton’s
Humans of New York and Frank Warren’s PostSecret.” —Library Journal

I thought I had seen most of the interesting bits of the world. Atlas Obscura showed me that I was wrong.It's the kind of book that makes you want to pack in your workaday life and head out to places you'd never have dreamed of going, to see things you could not even have imagined. A joy to read and to reread.”
—NEIL GAIMAN, author of
Sandman and American Gods

Atlas Obscura is a joyful antidote to the creeping suspicion that travel these days is little more than a homogenized corporate shopping opportunity.Here are hundreds of surprising, perplexing, mind-blowing, inspiring reasons to travel a day longer and farther off the path. . . . Bestest travel guide ever.
—MARY ROACH, author of
Stiff and Gulp

Atlas Obscura may be the only thing that can still inspire me to leave my apartment. . . . This resource is essential for exploring the world and engaging adventure with wit and style (often from the comfort of my bed).”
—LENA DUNHAM, creator of
Girls and author of Not That Kind of Girl

My favorite travel guide! Never start a trip without knowing where a haunted hotel or a mouth of hell is!”
—GUILLERMO DEL TORO, filmmaker,
Pan’s Labyrinth
 
What a strange and wonderful book! It is as curious and surprising as Saddam Hussein’s very own Blood Qur’an—written in his own blood—which I would never have known about had I not read the amazing Atlas Obscura.”
—JON RONSON, author of
So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed
 
“This book is
as curious and enthralling as the world it covers. Each page reveals some hidden realm—a realm that is frightening, or funny, or magical, or simply mad, but that always leaves the reader in wonder.”
—DAVID GRANN, author of
The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon

“Your peregrine falcon needs a small talon trim? Go straight to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. . . . Be grateful when visiting the Karni Mata Rat Temple if one of the 20,000 venerated rodents runs across your bare foot—it is considered good luck. . . . You won’t be able to enter the 20-years-in-the-making and still abandoned tallest hotel in the world. It does not matter. Wherever you look around Pyongyang, North Korea, the 105-story skyscraper silently towers over all. . . .
Life is short. Our planet is filled with curiosities and marvels . . . and this wondrous book is your guide!
—PHILIPPE PETIT, high-wire artist and explorer

About the Author

Joshua Foer is the cofounder and chairman of Atlas Obscura. He is also the author of Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything, a bestseller published in 33 languages, and a forthcoming book about the world's last hunter-gatherers.

Dylan Thuras is the cofounder and creative director of Atlas Obscura. He lives in Rosendale, NY.

Ella Morton is a New Zealand-born, Australian-raised, Brooklyn-based writer, focusing on overlooked aspects of history and culture. After covering consumer technology at CNET she hosted Rocketboom NYC, a web show about New York’s quirkier people and places. Her most popular interview was a chat with Cookie Monster on the set of Sesame Street. Ella was associate editor at AtlasObscura.com, where she wrote about such topics as tobacco smoke enemas, Victorian streaming music services, and the etiquette of marrying a ghost.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Workman Publishing Company (September 20, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0761169083
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0761169086
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.22 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.5 x 7 x 1.9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 2,387

About the authors

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
2,387 global ratings
A very interesting read, even if you're not actually able to visit many of the sites described!
5 Stars
A very interesting read, even if you're not actually able to visit many of the sites described!
I bought this for a 30-year old nephew whose county count was, I believe, pushing 40 about a year ago, and I think it may satisfy even him. (He’s the hardest to buy for member of the entire family!)I read a short description of the book in the travel section of the SF Chronicle a few weeks ago, and made the purchase based on that. Well, that combined with my sister verifying that her son might actually appreciate this book!There are many hundreds of places and things described over about 450 pages, with most including a photo, and the balance a drawing. I think the only things without a graphic are the short, “Also in or near…” entries. Those graphics add interest and tend to draw you in, encouraging you to read the piece about whatever is depicted graphically.The book must weigh something like 2 pounds – just guessing – meaning you might not be likely to pack it in your suitcase. However, it’s easy enough to take digital photos of any entries you may want to have easy access to on a trip. It’s printed on heavy paper, and I like that the pages are a pleasing, very light buff color, much nicer than stark white. Point being, it’s aesthetically a very nicely put together book.Because I bought this as a gift, I've looked through it closely but have not read it cover to cover. The entries seem to be written for a variety of readers and travelers, but certainly far from the lowest common denominator. It’s not a typical travel book! I don’t find every entry to be about a fascinating item, but a great many are, and possibly none whatsoever are dull. Even things that might not seem of particular interest based on the heading end up proving to be interesting when you get into the text. That said, there are items about things I have no interest in seeing, e.g., “Lake Monsters of the USA,” but there don’t seem to be many of that sort of thing included. As with "Lake Monsters," even if you (or a recipient) aren't likely to visit many of the places described, I think for many curious people this would make for an interesting read even without the travel element.It's not a perfect book, and I don't think any one book can be perfect for all readers, but I do think it's very good and I can easily recommend it for anyone who might be potentially interested. Given the quality of the contents and of the physical item itself, I am very pleased with the price. Easy 5 stars and recommendation!
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2023
Title: An Enchanting Journey: A Glowing Review of Atlas Obscura

Prepare yourself for a truly extraordinary literary experience with Atlas Obscura! This mesmerizing book is a symphony of discovery and adventure, where every single page unveils the hidden gems of our world - each one brimming with history, enchantment, and a touch of magic. From cover to cover, every carefully crafted word takes you on a wondrous expedition, captivating your senses with its rich research and stunning visuals.

Unlike any electronic format, this is a book meant to be cherished in its physical form. The weight of it in your hands, the intoxicating scent of its pages, and the sheer joy of turning each one brings a gratifying pleasure that cannot be replicated. It's a tactile experience that truly immerses you in the world of Atlas Obscura.

As a fervent fan of their awe-inspiring website, I initially approached this book with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Would it live up to the lofty expectations set by its online counterpart? I can confidently say that it surpasses all expectations and leaves you yearning for more. The mysteries and marvels contained within its pages are nothing short of transformative.

From curling up in bed, with the book cradled in your hands as you delve into the extraordinary narratives, to bringing it along to appointments where intrigued onlookers inquire about its contents, Atlas Obscura will become your constant companion. It effortlessly transports you to far-flung corners of the world, providing a respite from the mundane and serving as a gateway to incredible experiences.

Writing reviews is not something I undertake lightly, but Atlas Obscura has left an indelible mark on my heart. It's an honor to convey the sheer magnificence of this literary treasure. I implore you to embark on this captivating journey, exploring each enticing destination. I wholeheartedly guarantee that Atlas Obscura will enrich your life in ways you never thought possible.

Open the book, let the magic unravel, and allow your spirit to soar in the enchanting world meticulously curated by Atlas Obscura. It's a gift to be cherished, savored, and shared with fellow seekers of wonder.
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2016
I bought this for a 30-year old nephew whose county count was, I believe, pushing 40 about a year ago, and I think it may satisfy even him. (He’s the hardest to buy for member of the entire family!)

I read a short description of the book in the travel section of the SF Chronicle a few weeks ago, and made the purchase based on that. Well, that combined with my sister verifying that her son might actually appreciate this book!

There are many hundreds of places and things described over about 450 pages, with most including a photo, and the balance a drawing. I think the only things without a graphic are the short, “Also in or near…” entries. Those graphics add interest and tend to draw you in, encouraging you to read the piece about whatever is depicted graphically.

The book must weigh something like 2 pounds – just guessing – meaning you might not be likely to pack it in your suitcase. However, it’s easy enough to take digital photos of any entries you may want to have easy access to on a trip. It’s printed on heavy paper, and I like that the pages are a pleasing, very light buff color, much nicer than stark white. Point being, it’s aesthetically a very nicely put together book.

Because I bought this as a gift, I've looked through it closely but have not read it cover to cover. The entries seem to be written for a variety of readers and travelers, but certainly far from the lowest common denominator. It’s not a typical travel book! I don’t find every entry to be about a fascinating item, but a great many are, and possibly none whatsoever are dull. Even things that might not seem of particular interest based on the heading end up proving to be interesting when you get into the text. That said, there are items about things I have no interest in seeing, e.g., “Lake Monsters of the USA,” but there don’t seem to be many of that sort of thing included. As with "Lake Monsters," even if you (or a recipient) aren't likely to visit many of the places described, I think for many curious people this would make for an interesting read even without the travel element.

It's not a perfect book, and I don't think any one book can be perfect for all readers, but I do think it's very good and I can easily recommend it for anyone who might be potentially interested. Given the quality of the contents and of the physical item itself, I am very pleased with the price. Easy 5 stars and recommendation!
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting read, even if you're not actually able to visit many of the sites described!
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2016
I bought this for a 30-year old nephew whose county count was, I believe, pushing 40 about a year ago, and I think it may satisfy even him. (He’s the hardest to buy for member of the entire family!)

I read a short description of the book in the travel section of the SF Chronicle a few weeks ago, and made the purchase based on that. Well, that combined with my sister verifying that her son might actually appreciate this book!

There are many hundreds of places and things described over about 450 pages, with most including a photo, and the balance a drawing. I think the only things without a graphic are the short, “Also in or near…” entries. Those graphics add interest and tend to draw you in, encouraging you to read the piece about whatever is depicted graphically.

The book must weigh something like 2 pounds – just guessing – meaning you might not be likely to pack it in your suitcase. However, it’s easy enough to take digital photos of any entries you may want to have easy access to on a trip. It’s printed on heavy paper, and I like that the pages are a pleasing, very light buff color, much nicer than stark white. Point being, it’s aesthetically a very nicely put together book.

Because I bought this as a gift, I've looked through it closely but have not read it cover to cover. The entries seem to be written for a variety of readers and travelers, but certainly far from the lowest common denominator. It’s not a typical travel book! I don’t find every entry to be about a fascinating item, but a great many are, and possibly none whatsoever are dull. Even things that might not seem of particular interest based on the heading end up proving to be interesting when you get into the text. That said, there are items about things I have no interest in seeing, e.g., “Lake Monsters of the USA,” but there don’t seem to be many of that sort of thing included. As with "Lake Monsters," even if you (or a recipient) aren't likely to visit many of the places described, I think for many curious people this would make for an interesting read even without the travel element.

It's not a perfect book, and I don't think any one book can be perfect for all readers, but I do think it's very good and I can easily recommend it for anyone who might be potentially interested. Given the quality of the contents and of the physical item itself, I am very pleased with the price. Easy 5 stars and recommendation!
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167 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023
This is a great book and the seller offered it at a very good price. Will go back to this seller.
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2016
What a fun book! A "browsing" book, because you can pick it up and flip to any page and start reading. I had never heard of the website, atlasobscura(dot)com, before receiving this book as a gift. It's a site where people from all over the world volunteer information on "curious and wondrous destinations".

The website originators, dedicated travelers both, gathered over 600 entries for this slightly oversized 470 page book. Those pages include a full Index, plus a "Special Index". In the 2nd index, entries are divided by category, rather than just name. This is a nice touch, because you may remember that somewhere there is an island that was a medieval dumping ground for Black Plague victims, but you don't remember the name. In the Special Index, you find the category "Islands" and soon you'll find the entry on Poveglia, off-limits to exploration because the Plague virus can lay dormant for centuries.

Entries are presented by continent and then by country. Each entry has an accompanying photo or illustration. And, if you want to be more than an armchair traveler, there are latitude & longitude readings and sometimes directions.

Entries can be nature-made, man-made or somewhere in between. I have too many favorite entries to detail here, but I'll mention that you can visit one of Galileo's middle fingers, posed for all eternity pointing to the skies. Or there is the fascinating story behind "Ball's Pyramid" and the "tree lobster".

Recommended reading!

Happy Reader
Customer image
4.0 out of 5 stars Armchair Travel Meant to Inspire You to Really Wander!
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2016
What a fun book! A "browsing" book, because you can pick it up and flip to any page and start reading. I had never heard of the website, atlasobscura(dot)com, before receiving this book as a gift. It's a site where people from all over the world volunteer information on "curious and wondrous destinations".

The website originators, dedicated travelers both, gathered over 600 entries for this slightly oversized 470 page book. Those pages include a full Index, plus a "Special Index". In the 2nd index, entries are divided by category, rather than just name. This is a nice touch, because you may remember that somewhere there is an island that was a medieval dumping ground for Black Plague victims, but you don't remember the name. In the Special Index, you find the category "Islands" and soon you'll find the entry on Poveglia, off-limits to exploration because the Plague virus can lay dormant for centuries.

Entries are presented by continent and then by country. Each entry has an accompanying photo or illustration. And, if you want to be more than an armchair traveler, there are latitude & longitude readings and sometimes directions.

Entries can be nature-made, man-made or somewhere in between. I have too many favorite entries to detail here, but I'll mention that you can visit one of Galileo's middle fingers, posed for all eternity pointing to the skies. Or there is the fascinating story behind "Ball's Pyramid" and the "tree lobster".

Recommended reading!

Happy Reader
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17 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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jesus labra cadena
5.0 out of 5 stars Enciclopedia de lugares macabros o raros que sí puedes visitar
Reviewed in Mexico on January 6, 2023
Conocí Atlas Oscura por sus anuncios web donde me enteré de la existencia de este libro y me apresure a comprarlo. Muy buenas fotografías acompañan buenos artículos,no todos bien detallados,de los lugares más extraños y bizarros del mundo con posibilidad de ser visitados en plan turístico. Viene con sus coordenadas para ser hallados en el mapa
Kevin Chaves
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in Canada on May 30, 2021
I love the Atlas Obscura website and knew I had to get this. It did not disappoint at all! Super awesome coffee table book!!
Gabriel Boll
5.0 out of 5 stars Encantador
Reviewed in Brazil on November 15, 2018
O Atlas Obscura é, simplesmente, um prazer de ler e folhear.
Cada local e cada curiosidade traz um pouco do lado desconhecido do nosso mundo, e nos lembra de que ainda existem muitas experiências fantásticas e mágicas esperando por aí (e o design do livro também é lindíssimo, contribuindo para o prazer da leitura).
Adoraria uma sequência, com novos locais e esquisitices. Por enquanto, o jeito é seguir as redes e o site deles, que são ótimos!
Guinness Grrrl
5.0 out of 5 stars Cool Book!
Reviewed in France on August 23, 2018
SO many great places listed in here. I cannot wait to explore them all. Nice photography and information included about each place.
One person found this helpful
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Abhishek Chauhan
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in India on January 13, 2018
Good read.