OFF THE MAP. LOST SPACES, INVISIBLE CITIES, FORGOTTEN ISLANDS, WILD PLACES

Embark on an extraordinary journey to the remote corners of the world that defy traditional maps. "Off the Map" is a fascinating atlas of forgotten, hidden, and undiscovered places waiting to be explored.

• Discover mysterious and unusual locations around the globe.
• Learn the stories of lost cities, forgotten islands, and wild territories.
• Immerse yourself in tales of places that defy official maps.
• Find out about pirate capitals, abandoned platforms, and closed cities.
• Travel to places where reality blends with legend.
• Explore the blank spots on the world map that are still waiting to be discovered.
• Learn fascinating facts from the fields of social geography and urban planning.

In the age of ubiquitous Google Maps, when it seems that every corner of the globe has been thoroughly described and photographed, Alastair Bonnett's book reminds us that there are still places that defy digital invasion. It is an invitation to rediscover the world, away from the beaten paths and tourist attractions.

The author takes us on a journey to Eyl, the capital of Somali pirates, where law and order give way to lawlessness and chaos. We visit Sealand, an abandoned anti-aircraft platform off the coast of Great Britain, which was declared a sovereign nation by its eccentric resident. We move to New Moore, an island that emerged from the Bay of Bengal after a cyclone, only to disappear under the ocean surface shortly thereafter.

"Off the Map" is not only a collection of fascinating stories, but also a reflection on the nature of maps and their impact on our perception of the world. Alastair Bonnett, Professor of Social Geography at Newcastle University, eruditely and passionately reveals to us places that defy definitions and conventions. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to broaden their horizons and look at the world from a new perspective.

Alastair Bonnett is a Professor of Social Geography at Newcastle University and a frequent commentator in the British press. From 1994 to 2000, he was the editor of Transgressions: A Journal of Urban Exploration. His books are acclaimed by readers and critics alike, and his articles and essays are published in prestigious journals and newspapers around the world. Bonnett is known for his interdisciplinary approach to geography, combining elements of history, sociology, urban planning, and politics in his work.