Product Description

While adhering to the conventions of cartography, this atlas invites travellers to follow routes through familiar-looking topography to realms of imagination, ideas, feelings and experience. It encompasses the Ocean of Possibilites, the Swamps of Boredom, the City of Boom and the Airport of Escape.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #240261 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 96 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Whereas most travel books tackle issues such as where to take lunch, The Atlas of Experience applies the conventions of cartography to fundamental questions such as who are we?, where did we come from? and--more importantly--where are we going? The Passion Map, for example, includes villages named "Expectation" and "Wait", while the accompanying text quotes Roman philosophers and the lyrics of Gerry Lee Lewis.

The original, simpler version of The Atlas of Experience was published in 1997. The publishers were intrigued, and persuaded Louise van Swaaij and Jean Klare to take their idea further. The two Dutch cartographers went on to develop a whole world of maps reflecting human life experience and emotions. The complete atlas went on to sell 100,000 copies in its first nine months.

When confronted with such an unusual book, it is tempting to mistrust a map to lands which do not exist. The authors' defence is surprising yet logical: "An atlas never just shows you where you are, where you want to go to and how to get there. It also fires the imagination." This book will certainly do that. Not for those who simply wish to get from A to B. --Daren King

---

Customer Reviews

worth buying for the maps alone
While adhering to the conventions of cartography, this atlas invites travellers to follow routes through familiar-looking topography to realms of imagination, ideas, feelings and experience. It encompasses the Ocean of Possibilites, the Swamps of Boredom, the City of Boom and the Airport of Escape.

Two Dutch cartographers get carried away with the idea that life is a journey and can be represented on maps. The text between the maps is suitably thought-provoking and inspirational, but it feels like two books in one. I would have enjoyed even closer integration between the text and the maps, but it's worth buying for the maps alone. There is plenty of scope for the creative trainer to turn this coffee table novelty into a powerful tool for reflection. Some might say that Tony Buzan has done the job already with Mind Mapping. But this is different and more magical. It is like Treasure Island or The Phantom Tolbooth - for grown ups.

this book is sublime!
The Atlas of Experience is a sublime book. I urge everyone to buy this book (no I don't work for the publishers!), it is a beautiful and poetic meditation on the nature of everyday life. You will find yourself caught between the wonderful images, the warmth of the text, and your own daydreams! I have not read a book this good since I read 'The Little Prince' (which I also recommend!). This is the kind of book that creates a sense of peace within you. Buy it and be happy!

a book for those who want to escape the real world
A book for those who want to escape the real world, which in fairness, any good book does take you away from reality and encaptures you within its pages. for me this was a collection of tripe. I did not enjoy it and found myself grinning at the foolishness of it all.

A nice idea I suppose but not one that I found interesting or stimulating. If you are searching for answers or direction in life then maybe this would help. It might make you realise that the time you wasted reading it could have been more productive and enjoyable doing something else. ie : getting on with life instead of sitting there pondering it.