Atlas of Afterlives

<p><b>What happens after we die? This difficult question has fascinated people for thousands of years.</b></p><p><b><i>An Atlas of Afterlives</i></b> sets out to explore and explain the many <b>underworlds, otherworlds, heavens and hells </b>believed in by cultures from across the world, throughout history. From <b>paradise gardens </b>to <b>fiery kingdoms,</b> from <b>shadowy isles of the dead</b> to <b>ghostly galleons</b> on an eternal voyage, these visions of eternity are <b>fascinating examples of human creativity and storytelling.</b><br><br><b>Organised by continent</b>, this book will take you on an eerie journey to discover legendary places from different mythologies. Each <b>lavishly illustrated spread</b> invites you into a different realm of the dead, with deities, demons and other details drawn from historical sources ranging from ancient Egyptian scrolls to Chilean folklore. With <b>wonder</b>, <b>curiosity</b> and <b>sensitivity</b>, every one of these awe-inspiring places is presented in its cultural context, combining real, historical fact with the magical atmosphere of the unknown – and unknowable.<br><br> Discover afterlives from all over the world, including: </p><ul><li> The gloomy kingdom of <b>Hades</b>, ancient Greek god of the dead </li><li><b>Valhalla</b>, mead hall of fallen Norse heroes </li><li><b>Duat</b>, ancient Egyptian River of Death </li><li><b>Jannah</b>, the beautiful Islamic garden of heaven  </li><li><b>Kakuriyo</b>, the invisible realm of spirits in Japanese Shinto beliefs </li><li> The <b>Gates of Guinee</b>, the Voudou portal said to be hidden in New Orleans </li><li> The Lakota <b>Trail of Spirits</b> in the Milky Way </li><li><b>Kibu</b>, island of ghosts to the Torres Strait Islanders of Australia </li><li> Many, many more. </li></ul><p> With <b>stories</b>, <b>histories</b> and <b>maps</b><b></b>to get lost in, <b><i>An Atlas of Afterlives</i></b> is a truly unforgettable departure from our everyday lives into the depths of world mythology, exploring a fundamental question in an accessible, respectful and totally unique way. This lavish volume will fire the imaginations of <b>curious explorers aged 9-12</b> keen for a glimpse of what lies beyond. </p>