The romantic legend of Atlantis has captured imaginations since Plato first told of a glorious island in the Atlantic that sank beneath the waves. Speculation has abounded ever since, and scientists who formerly dismissed the possibility that Atlantis ever existed were obliged to reconsider--partly because of the author of this book. Lewis Spence (1874-1955) wrote five books about Atlantis, and this one is considered his best. Spence sifted through a tremendous body of research in fields from mythology and comparative religion to geography, geology, and archeology. The result is the most authoritative study ever published on the history, geography, animal life, government, and religion of this fabled island.

The Atlantis story remains one of the most haunting and enigmatic tales from antiquity, and one that still resonates very deeply with the modern imagination. But where did Atlantis come from, what was it like, and where did it go to? Atlantis was first introduced by the Greek philosopher Plato in two dialogues the Timaios and Kritias, written in the fourth century BC. As he philosophises about the origins of life, the Universe and humanity, the great thinker puts forward a stunning description of Atlantis, an island paradise with an ideal society. But the Atlanteans degenerate and become imperialist aggressors: they fight against antediluvian Athens, which heroically repels their mighty forces, before a cataclysmic natural disaster destroys the warring states. His tale of a great empire that sank beneath the waves has sparked thousands of years of debate over whether Atlantis really existed. But did Plato mean his tale as history, or just as a parable to help illustrate his philosophy? The book is broken down into two main sections plus a coda - firstly the translations/commentaries which will have the discussions of the specifics of the actual texts; secondly a look at the reception of the myth from then to now; thirdly a brief round-off bringing it all together.

Why is this book written? Authorities pointing to the existence of a former Continent and City. Definite assertions of destruction by deluge, of an island Continent, positively declared. Testimony of the whirling straws, the flotsam and jetsam of the day. Concurrent evidence of the existence and influence of these people on our civilization. Poem, "Atlantian Memories." Continued cross- examination of witnesses, human and divine, concerning the facts in evidence of the existence of Atlantis Island and City. Description of mountains, cities, caves, and other evidences of occupation by civilized and enlightened people. Speculations and deductions of the Past, Present and Future. Beginning of a voyage. The attractive stranger. Acquaintance ripens rapidly. "Such a face as children love and scoundrels hate." An eloquent and instructive talker. Atlantian memories seem to the new friend, personal experiences. The wonderful cities of the Past that have disappeared. The little black-lettered manuscript in a strange language. History of Atlantis. "Your desire for information on these lines will be gratified

Atlantis was first introduced by the Greek philosopher Plato in two "dialogues" he wrote in the fourth century B.C. His tale of a great empire that sank beneath the waves -- a tale that Plato never even finished -- has sparked thousands of years of debate over whether Atlantis really existed. But did Plato mean his tale as history, or just as a parable to help illustrate his philosophy? In "The Atlantis Dialogue," you'll find everything Plato said about Atlantis, in the context he intended. Now you can read and judge for yourself! //////////////////////////////////////// "An easy read . . . Provides a good starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about the Atlantis myth." -- Judy Justice, Midwest Book Review, Mar. 2002 (Reviewer's Choice) //////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE CRITIAS: Consider then, Socrates, if this narrative is suited to the purpose, or whether we should seek for some other instead. SOCRATES: And what other, Critias, can we find that will be better than this, which is natural and suitable to the festival of the goddess, and has the very great advantage of being a fact and not a fiction? How or where shall we find another if we abandon this? We cannot, and therefore you must tell the tale, and good luck to you; and I in return for my yesterday's discourse will now rest and be a listener. CRITIAS: Let me begin by observing first of all, that nine thousand was the sum of years which had elapsed since the war which was said to have taken place between those who dwelt outside the pillars of Heracles and all who dwelt within them; this war I am going to describe. Of the combatants on the one side, the city of Athens was reported to have been the leader and to have fought out the war; the combatants on the other side were commanded by the kings of Atlantis, which, as I was saying, was an island greater in extent than Libya and Asia, and when afterwards sunk by an earthquake, became an impassable barrier of mud to voyagers sailing from hence to any part of the ocean. The progress of the history will unfold the various nations of barbarians and families of Hellenes which then existed, as they successively appear on the scene; but I must describe first of all Athenians of that day, and their enemies who fought with them, and then the respective powers and governments of the two kingdoms.

You know of it through song and legend: the golden civilization of Atlantis, which sank into the cold depths of the sea ages ago. But few know the truth about Atlantisor the geological and metaphysical evidences that suggest it really existed. What have scholars unearthed of Atlantiss society and history? How about its mystical and religious beliefs, art and architecture, and its peoples knowledge of science and healing? Is it possible that the tremendous achievements of the Atlanteans were aided by extraterrestrial contact? Shirley Andrews uncovers the living legacy in Atlantis: Insights from a Lost Civilization, a compelling new look at a legendary country once situated on the Atlantic Ridge. The author has traveled extensively to conduct her own comprehensive research, which she synthesizes with the work of hundreds of other Atlantis researchersclassical and modern scholars, scientists, and respected psychics like Edgar Cayce. Survivors of this fabled land have made their mark on cultures all over the world, and their descendants walk the earth today. Learn how the legacy of Atlantis can help us bring our own world into a new age of peace and enlightenment.

Originally published in 1980; Greek text retained from earlier edition, commentary updated, with new English translation and introduction.

Traces the legend of Atlantis from the original stories found in the works of Plato to the latest scientific debates and discoveries, and argues that the threat of global warming may lead modern society to the same fate.