I don’t recall where I got to know about this book, but I had it in my wish list. When I got my hands on it finally, it was amazing how the book took hold of me.
Gavin Menzies takes us on his journey to rediscover the Lost Empire of Atlantis. He builds up on his theory that the Minoan empire was more accomplished that it is assumed. He tries to bring together facts and goes on to try to prove that the Minoan civilization had extensive sea faring abilities and that they might have discovered America way before Christopher Columbus. He challenges some of the accepted notions of the lost civilizations.
I have no real knowledge of history, so I would not be in a position to say whether all that he says, could actually be true or not, but he sure does paint a very convincing picture.
The manner in which he relates it, makes it a fascinating read. It left me wanting more, at the end of the book. To me, the added interest was that I had visited Thera(Santorini), which has an important role to play, and it helped me visualize things a bit better. I had also read about how it is assumed that Atlantis might have been there, before the mighty volcanic eruption ended it all.
I think it would make interesting reading for anybody who likes historical research of this sort. I had not known that I enjoyed it before I read this book. And maybe if someone with a better grasp of history read it, they could tell me how much of it is fiction and how much could be reality?
For me, it was a fantastic read. I will be reading it again, to absorb it better, and maybe do some other related reading as well, to understand it better. And yes, I will try to get hold of his other books. I really enjoyed his style of writing and his obvious enthusiasm for his subject.
I have never read historical research based books…I should try this one…
I really enjoyed it – hope you do too
sounds like a must read..goes right onto my to read list
Do let me know how you find it!
You are reading books faster than I can update my reading wish list!!
will put this one down too..
All thanks to your review challenge:)
Wow you been reading so often lately how u managing tell me toooo…
I’ve always been reading, I just started reviewing, that’s all
If you want to see the full list of what I have read this yeat – go here – http://wordsndreamz.wordpress.com/my-nose-has-been-buried-in-these-2012/
Why did your description remind me of Da Vinci Code? Love such stories, whether true or not, but which make you wonder if that’s exactly how it did happen… your review made me want to read this book!
I think the difference is that this is not fiction. He does seem to have evidence, which makes me wonder how is it that so many archaeologists missed all this for so many years? It is a wonderful read, IHM!
It reminded me of Da Vinci Code too
Haa the perfect book for the husband who enjoys reading about all lost things be it the Atlantis or his happiness since we got married
I think I should get it for him and then make him tell me the story….you know the man is a good narrator and makes sure I don’t sleep while he is telling me a story 
He tells you stories!! Woooow!!
Do let me know how he finds it 
Yes, Menzies’ books make fascinating reads — but only when are your first and only source of information for the material. Read the books but then put on your skeptics hat and google the items that strike your fancy. You’ll soon realize that a lot of “cherry picking” of data went on in the books and that learned historians and antiquarians have serious disagreements with his conclusions and supporting arguments. It’s all part of the historical debate that is healthy in the long haul.