The Atlas Of True Names

The Atlas of True Names is a funky map that reveals the original meanings of the familiar modern places we know today. It spans the whole world, beautifully drawn with colourful and delicate handwriting. So if you’re British, you’re actually ‘one from the Great Land of the Tattooed’ from the Celtic brit meaning colourful or speckled, hence referring to their habit of decorating bodies. Explanations are given for every name at the back of the maps; Australia becomes ‘Land of the South Winds’. The most exciting trip appears to be across Asia, however: travel from the ‘Land of Five Rivers, Horsemen and Turtles’ (Pakistan), through the ‘Land of Kings’, over ‘The Ever Resting Mountain’ in Nepal and head down through Burma to reach the ‘Islands of the Monkey God’. Plan a holiday with this map and you might feel like you’re stepping into Lord of The Rings with Frodo Baggins at your side.

Have a look at ‘7000 Islands’ By Yasmin Newman