DOC Finding Atlantis: A True Story of Genius; Madness; and an Extraordinary Quest for a Lost World by David King in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. It is a timeless tale of a great person at odds with the rigid thinking all around ...By SkyppThis is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. I was engrossed in this true story from the minute I started reading until the last page. Olaf Rudbeck was a true visionary. A completely original thinker bogged down in the petty rivalries and vendettas of conventional academia. Everything about this story; although it takes place during the 1600's in Sweden; is also completely contemporary. It is a timeless tale of a great person at odds with the rigid thinking all around him. Yet Rudbeck triumphed. No matter what his foes threw at him; he came back stronger and better every time. His essential theory is that ancient Sweden was the location of Plato's story of Atlantis. Rudbeck used astoundingly original dating methods as well as a kind of finely attuned awareness one associates with real genius; to back up his ideas. He undoubtedly found remnants of a lost; high civilization. While doing so; he added immeasurably to our overall knowledge of ancient cultures and historical Sweden; as well as giving us new ways to date ancient sites. Did he actually find Atlantis? My major gripe with David King is that at the end of the book he sort of slams or at least somewhat discredits; Rudbeck's theories. Perhaps at the time he wrote it; he was afraid of the same kind of criticism that Rudbeck himself underwent. King is a wonderful writer. Not a boring page in the book. It is delightful; informative and highly readable for anyone. But he missed an opportunity however; to have some the courage Mr. Rudbeck displayed. While he may or may not have found Atlantis; Rudbeck most certainly found a culture directly related to it. He found Hyperborea which was probably either a precursor to; or an off-shoot of Atlantis. Instead of taking the chance on being bold; King backs off at the end; almost agreeing with some of Rudbeck malicious critics. I; for one; believe Rudbeck discovered part of a much greater; world-wide high culture of very ancient antiquity; that almost all historians are ignorant of today. This culture WAS part of Atlantis. Nevertheless; if you have any interest in this topic; this is a great book. Highly recommended.8 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Popular historyBy Philip LeetchI am sure Mr King could write a fine scholarly work on Olof Rudbeck; but he or his publisher decided to aim for a wider market and the book strives to be 'popular'. Maybe this is a good idea; but it will annoy some readers. I confess I was disappointed. Talk of 'Apollo's dad' seems inappropriate to me; and I did not want events such as Columbus' discovery of the Americas explained so carefully. There is interesting material here; but you have to decide whether the packaging suits you before you read this book.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Received in time and product met my expectationsBy Bjarne Wilmannlook forward to read this book!Read two other books by David King; he is writing history in a most entertaining way.