Publication Date: 26 September 2023

The Blurb

What happens after we die? This difficult question has fascinated people for thousands of years.

An Atlas of Afterlives sets out to explore and explain the many underworlds, otherworlds, heavens and hells believed in by cultures from across the world, throughout history. From paradise gardens to fiery kingdoms, from shadowy isles of the dead to ghostly galleons on an eternal voyage, these visions of eternity are fascinating examples of human creativity and storytelling.

Organised by continent, this book will take you on an eerie journey to discover legendary places from different mythologies. Each lavishly illustrated spread 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 wonder, curiosity and sensitivity, 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.

Discover afterlives from all over the world, including:

• The gloomy kingdom of Hades, ancient Greek god of the dead
• Valhalla, mead hall of fallen Norse heroes
• Duat, ancient Egyptian River of Death
• Jannah, the beautiful Islamic garden of heaven 
• Kakuriyo, the invisible realm of spirits in Japanese Shinto beliefs
• The Gates of Guinee, the Voudou portal said to be hidden in New Orleans
• The Lakota Trail of Spirits in the Milky Way
• Kibu, island of ghosts to the Torres Strait Islanders of Australia
• Many, many more.

The Review

What an enthralling read! This is a beautiful exploration of worldwide beliefs of life after death, that brings together different beliefs about what happens to us after life. Whether climbing Jacob’s Ladder, arriving at the Gates Of Hell, or spending eternity on a Ghost Ship

I love that it covers such a wide range of afterlife beliefs, both ancient and modern, religious and cultural. Each double page spread is a captivating piece of art, packed with detail and adorned with fascinating theories and beliefs about the afterlife under scrutiny.

With a multitude of uses in the classroom, as well as being a stunning pleasure read to dip in and out of, this is a must have for school libraries.

Huge thanks to Quarto for sending me an early digital proof.