First published 1985
Robert Holdstock takes readers on a journey through imaginary territories that have captivated human storytelling for centuries. He explores the fictional geography found in myths and legends, from enchanted islands that appear only in fog to underground kingdoms ruled by forgotten gods. The book examines cities that exist between worlds, continents that shift with the seasons, and realms where time moves differently than in our world. Holdstock maps these places not with coordinates but with the logic of dreams and ancient wisdom. He shows how storytellers across cultures have created similar magical territories, suggesting something deeper about human imagination. Each chapter reveals how these invented places serve as stages for transformation, where heroes face their greatest trials and ordinary people discover extraordinary truths. The book demonstrates that these mythical realms are more than mere fantasy backdrops. They represent the landscapes of the soul, where internal conflicts play out in external adventures.
Genres: fiction, mythology, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: epic-journey, hero-s-journey
Setting: Enchanted Islands, Underground Kingdoms, Shifting Continents
Period: Myths and Legends
120 pages · Paperback · Salem House Pub