The Rise & Fall of Atlantis: And the Mysterious Origins of Human Civilization

by J.S. Gordon

Could the lost civilization of Atlantis provide the answer to the origins of human existence? In his controversial new study, John Gordon examines the evidence and makes some startling discoveries. Though many have dismissed Plato’s account of the vanished continent and its people as fantasy, Gordon argues that not only is the story true, but it’s a brilliant and complex metaphor for cosmic creation. Gordon’s research leads him to oppose modern scientific orthodoxy on a range of accepted ideas from the “Big Bang” theory to Darwinian evolution. He questions the concept that humans emerged relatively recently; the notion that dinosaurs became extinct due to an asteroid impact; and the belief that present-day global warming has a human cause. It’s an eye-opening look at our world.

Genres: Science

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

About the author

J.S. Gordon (1946-2013) held a master’s degree in Western Esotericism from the University of Exeter and was a senior fellow of the Theosophical Society of England, where he lectured on ancient history and metaphysics. Known for his in-depth knowledge on the ancient Egyptian mystical tradition, he wrote several books, including The Path of Initiation.

Reviews

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This... was more about the 'mysterious origins of human civilisation' rather than about Atlantis. Nonetheless, it was probably meant as an essay to explain the already existing body of literature on Atlantis. In sum,

1. If this book is true, I have to reconsider the entire Greek mythology thing- everything is an allegory ?!!??!?!
2. The existence of Atlantis is entirely possible- new land forms every day, while some sink into oblivion.
3. Why do some species evolve and why do they not evolve completely (okay maybe due to environment.)
4. Liked the Plato part, but got a little confused about what Mysteries were.
5. Where we are now, is temporally just a speck of dust in the entire human conscience. Or the universe conscience.
6. Gaia doesn't mean Earth. Oh man...(It means kosmic space. Yes, kosmic with the k)
7. Nobody will ever know they are accurate- facts, seemingly unwavering, change whenever we discover new things.
8. And then again, what is our purpose as humans again? Is it to take up our roles in this huge cycle?


This book is not an introductory book to Atlantis. Rather, it takes the time to unravel, giving plenty of context and background to existing arguments and counter-arguments about the existence of Atlantis. Also delves deep into spiritual passages, and touches on geology and other sciences. Overall very interesting, but I probably lack enough information to fully appreciate this text.

[Lonny Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very wordy read. I was reading this book as research for a story I was planning on writing. It can greatly help you expand your vocabulary as the author is clearly a very educated and scholarly individual and clearly reveals this through his usage of language.
This is also a theosophical read and does expand on theory and conjecture with some heavy research.