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The Sound Atlas: A Guide to Strange Sounds across Landscapes and Imagination
Nature writers Michaela Vieser and Isaac Yuen set out in search of sounds beautiful and loathsome, melodious and disturbing, healing, strange and intimate. The phenomena of sound may be fleeting and evanescent, but the memory of it can open a window into the soul, deepening our connections with time, the environment and each other. From the edge of the solar system to the crackle of arctic sea ice, from the ancient oracle site of Dodona to the singing pillars of Hampi, each of these 36 essays explores stories of sound through the lens of history, science and culture, stylishly blending fantastical facts and unique anecdotes to create a compelling narrative.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published November 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. You get to the travel the world, sonically, from the Altai Mountains in Mongolia to Tokyo railway stations. Sound underpins everything, but only if you really listen. And Michaela has really listened and she is a wonderful writer too!
December 20, 2025
‘The Sound Atlas’ by Michala Vieser and Isaac Yuen is a fabulous book. The book is short, and the authors divided it into 36 short chapters, each focusing on different aspects and sources of sound.
I read an article in the publication ‘Engelsberg Ideas’ that referenced the book and immediately bought a copy. After reading the book, I sat back, patted myself on the shoulder, and congratulated myself for buying and reading this short volume on sound and sounds.
No one should assume that the book offers a comprehensive, deep dive into how sound surrounds us or the many ways it manifests in our world.
There is the world of natural sound that we drown with our loud music, and with the cacophony of modern civilization. Then there are sounds from long ago, when our ancestors built temples, mosques, palaces, etc. Finally, there are sounds we created musically, like the pipe organs of Germany and Brian Eno’s creations.
The authors state that we are often oblivious to sound, and I agree. How frequently have you sat by a river and listened to the sound of the flowing water? How often do you sit in silence and listen to the sounds of your body?
The book will give you, I hope, much material with which to launch your personal explorations and make you aware of the fantastic universe of sound.
This book is exceptional and timely.
I read an article in the publication ‘Engelsberg Ideas’ that referenced the book and immediately bought a copy. After reading the book, I sat back, patted myself on the shoulder, and congratulated myself for buying and reading this short volume on sound and sounds.
No one should assume that the book offers a comprehensive, deep dive into how sound surrounds us or the many ways it manifests in our world.
There is the world of natural sound that we drown with our loud music, and with the cacophony of modern civilization. Then there are sounds from long ago, when our ancestors built temples, mosques, palaces, etc. Finally, there are sounds we created musically, like the pipe organs of Germany and Brian Eno’s creations.
The authors state that we are often oblivious to sound, and I agree. How frequently have you sat by a river and listened to the sound of the flowing water? How often do you sit in silence and listen to the sounds of your body?
The book will give you, I hope, much material with which to launch your personal explorations and make you aware of the fantastic universe of sound.
This book is exceptional and timely.
November 9, 2025
lovely bit of business
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews