This compendium of ancient mysteries and controversial knowledge is "an excellent briefing on the genre and its complexities" ( Fortean Times). Where did "modern" civilization begin? What lies beneath the waves? Do myths describe interstellar impact? How'd they lift that stone? Was the Ark of the Covenant a mechanical device? Were there survivors of an Atlantean catastrophe? Who really discovered the "New" World? "Hidden history" continues to fascinate an ever wider audience. In this massive compendium, editor Preston Peet brings together an all-star cast of contributors to question established wisdom about the history of the world and its civilizations. Peet and anthology contributors guide us through exciting archeological adventures and treasure hunts, ancient mysteries, lost or rediscovered technologies, and assorted "Forteana," using serious scientific studies and reports, scholarly research, and some plain old fringe material, as what is considered "fringe" today is often hard science tomorrow. Contributors include: Graham Hancock ( Fingerprints of the Gods and Underworld), David Hatcher Childress (Lost Cities and Civilizations series), Colin Wilson ( From Atlantis to the Sphinx), Michael Cremo ( Forbidden Archeology), William Corliss ( Ancient Infrastructures), Robert Schoch ( Voyages of the Pyramid Builders), John Anthony West ( Serpent in the Sky), Michael Arbuthnot ( Team Atlantis), Erich Von Daniken ( Chariots of the Gods), and many more.