This colorful guide introduces the ongoing interest in the mythical land of Atlantis. The book is divided into a long first half that gives a broad overview of the story and its legacy, while the second half hones in on specific themes in two-page glosses. In over two dozen chapters , Ashe, a medievalist and cultural historian, explores the occult meaning of Atlantis, possible extraterrestrial founding and other attempts to explain its origin, Atlantis in Plato's imagination, the East Asian corollary of Shambhala, and cultural influence. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)