Atlas of remote islands Fifty islands I have never set foot on and never will

For those who find it difficult to believe that there are still isolated, secluded, and uninhabited or sparsely populated pockets of land anchored firmly in the midst of the Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Antarctic Oceans, this quietly beautiful and subtly evocative book is a must read. Firm in her conviction that atlases should take a much-deserved place in the literary pantheon and that there is no more poetic book in the world, her cartographic drawings are accompanied by compelling narratives, outlining the history, natural science, local lore, and legend of each of the 50 islands she visually and textually conjures up out of her impeccable research and vivid imaginings. An armchair traveler's delight, this book will also beckon, challenge, and inspire intrepid explorers and exotically inclined vacationers.--Flanagan, Margaret Copyright 2010 Booklist

Schalansky grew up in East Germany from which, like most of her compatriots at the time, she was not allowed to leave. Instead, she traveled the world through atlases and developed a fascination with remote islands. Her prose here is almost poetic as she paints multidimensional portraits of 50 islands to go along with her full-color, original cartographic illustrations. Credit must also be given to translator Lo for retaining the expressiveness of Schalansky's voice. The attention to font, weight, and color in this book cannot be ignored. Schalansky's background in typography and passion for the art of cartography are apparent on every page. While the style of the book may appeal to younger readers, caution is advised as there are references to violence and rape. Verdict Recommended for armchair travelers, lovers of history, and anyone looking to get far, far away from it all.-Anna L. Creech, Univ. of Richmond Lib. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.