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The Coasts of Illusion: A Study of Travel Tales
Paperback
Mythology & FolkloreTravel GeneralGeneral World History
ISBN13: 9781025564111
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 468
Weight: 1.43
Height: 0.94 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Coasts of Illusion: A Study of Travel Tales is a fascinating exploration into the intersection of geography, myth, and human imagination. Clark B. Firestone delves into the legendary stories that shaped the world map for centuries, investigating the origins and persistence of tales regarding mythical beasts, lost continents, and unreachable kingdoms. From the sirens of Greek lore to the elusive riches of El Dorado, Firestone examines how the wonders of the unknown drove explorers across the seas and into the wilderness.
This scholarly yet accessible work categorizes various travel myths, including sightings of unicorns and satyrs, as well as the enduring allure of places like Prester John's kingdom and the lost island of Atlantis. By tracing the historical development of these illusions, Firestone provides insight into how travelers and historians alike interpreted the boundaries of the known world. The Coasts of Illusion: A Study of Travel Tales serves as an essential guide for those interested in the history of exploration, folklore, and the enduring power of storytelling in defining our understanding of the Earth.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
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