This post is part of the “My Literary Atlas” project focused on inspiring readers and travelers to explore their surroundings. The project photos are made in carefully selected locations inspired by a certain book; the outfit is also meant to complete the scene. Explore the world and discover new books with “My Literary Atlas” here.
Today I’m showing you a weird but cool location, a house filled with plants and globes to the brim. The place made me think of exploring the world, so naturally, when I first heard about The Phantom Atlas, a book exploring the wonders of the world, I had to tie those two together. So let’s go!
The place: A Globe House in Amsterdam
This beautiful house in the heart of Amsterdam is a complete mystery. Why are there plants covering the whole width of the window? Why are there so many globes in it? Is this where school globes go when they retire? Who is an owner of such an artistic display? Who knows. What I do know though, is that if you want to see this small wonder by yourself, head to the Waterloo Metro station in Amsterdam and you’ll find this cozy facade right next to the Café ‘t Hooischip at the corner of the Blauw Brug and the Amstel.
This small facade is just waiting to be discovered by you, so don’t let it escape your notice and put it on the map.
The book: The Phantom Atlas by Edward Brooke-Hitching
The Phantom Atlas is a book about the greatest myths, lies, and blunders on maps. It’s talking about things mankind thought existed and was certain enough to put it on maps and atlases. They survived for centuries, until the world was finally wholly uncovered and the truth was separated from the invention.
This book talks about sea monsters, non-existent cities, and islands, sea paths. From demonic islands to El Dorado, it holds the promise of wonder and it definitely delivers on it.
What I loved most, while the book reads like an educational encyclopedia, the best part is definitely the illustrations. The maps. The drawings. The childlike feeling of amazement and sometimes a desire for those things to actually exist so that one may see them for himself.
Even when you want to say, “I can’t believe someone thought it was real”, a part of you is happy it made onto the map, bringing a bit of wonder into our lives.
This book is now available on BookDepository with free shipping.
The outfit:
I drew inspiration from Marion Ravenwood, Indiana Jones’s sidekick in the original movies. The book and the location both called for an explorer’s attire, a stylish yet dignified ensemble. The vintage shirt with the beautiful tassels and embroidery is perfect for an urban explorer, the khaki pants from Massimo Dutti are perfect for an uncertain summer weather.
The small details such as the shoulder bag and the loafer boots gel this outift together. But it would not be complete without an elbow-patched pattern blazer. We’re channeling our inner Indiana here, people!