Atlas of the Unexpected

A journey to forty-five unexpected destinations near and far, with quirky histories, beautiful maps, and evocative photography: "First-class armchair travel." —South China Morning Post
A New Statesman Best Book of the Year

Take an armchair voyage to places both infamous and unknown that have, often by chance or by haphazard means, been destinations of discovery that shaped our world. Set foot on the aptly named Just Enough Room Island. Chart the royal romance that led shipwrecked lovers to discover the purple rock of Madeira. Learn about the surprising origins of Vaseline. Follow in the footsteps of a stray goat who led its keeper to uncover lost ancient biblical scrolls. These are the world's most wondrous, improbable, and—most of all—unexpected places, presented by a cultural historian and winner of an Edward Stanford Travel Writing Award.


"Elborough writes about a wide range of subjects with originality, learning and charm. Atlas of the Unexpected . . . is seductively beautiful: an inspiring, dream-inducing guide." —New Statesman

Praise for the Unexpected Atlas series

"Engrossing." —The Observer

"Understatedly expressive." —The New York Times

"A delightful compendium." —The Daily Telegraph