Hollow Earth

A remarkable cultural history of what might exist under the earth’s surface—as reflected in mythology, religion, science, literature, and good old crackpottery.

“A surprising history of imaginary voyages to the planet’s core . . .entertaining . . .’tandish's research is impressive.” —New York Times Book Review

Beliefs in mysterious underworlds are as old as humanity. But the idea that the earth has a hollow interior was first proposed as a scientific theory in 1691 by Sir Edmond Halley (of comet fame), who suggested that there might be life down there as well. Hollow Earth traces the surprising, marvelous, and just plain weird permutations his ideas have taken over the centuries. From science fiction to utopian societies and even religions, Hollow Earth travels through centuries and cultures, exploring how each era's relationship to the idea of a hollow earth mirrored its hopes, fears, and values. Illustrated with everything from seventeenth-century maps to 1950s pulp art to movie posters and more, Hollow Earth is for anyone interested in the history of strange ideas that just won't go away.

“Standish . . .has an engaging affection for his cast of fantasists and misguided visionaries.” —The New Yorker

“Gives us fascinating and often bizarre tales. . . . Hollow Earth is full of lively illustrations and curious lore. Standish is a good explorer of the dusty corners of history, science, and popular myth.” —Los Angeles Times