DISCOVER THE SECRET PLACES THAT TIME FORGOT ''Dr. Bob Curran has given us a comprehensive encyclopedia of fantastic places straddling the nebulous borderlands between fact and fantasy.'' --Frank Joseph, author of Opening the Ark of the Covenant..... ''learned and erudite, yet written in an accessible and exceptionally read-able style, this book is invaluable for those interested in the mysteries of vanished civilizations.'' --Brian Haughton, author of Hidden History..... There are places that turn up in literature or in film--mystical and legendary places whose names may be familiar, but about which we know little. We nod knowingly at the reference, but are often left wondering about places such as Atlantis, the lost land overwhelmed by the sea, or El Dorado, the fabulous city that vanished somewhere in the South American jungles. Other names are more evocative--the Garden of Eden, the mystic Isle of Avalon, and Davy Jones's Locker. But did such places actually exist and, if so, where were they, and what really happened? What are the traditions and legends associated with them? In this fascinating book, historian Dr. Bob Curran sets or to find the answers by journeying to the far-flung corners of the world and to the outer reaches of human imagination. Inside you will: Climb the high mountains in search of the mythical Shangri-La. Navigate the deep swamps and jungles in a quest for the Seven Cities of Gold. Travel to the depths of the dark oceans to look for sunken lands such as Lemuria and Lyonesse. Experience unspeakable danger in a realm rarely visited by men--the subterranean lair of Judaculla. Uncover the secrets of Heliopolis, Yggradsil, Hy-Brasil, the Kingdom of Prester John, and the Hollow Hills. Filled with lavish illustrations by acclaimed artist Ian Daniels, Lost Lands, Forgotten Realms takes you on a wonderful and sometimes terrifying journey combining mythological and legendary tales with historical fact. Psychologist and historian Dr. Bob Curran has traveled the world in the study of mythology and folklore, which he has also extensively written and lectured about. He is the author of Vampires, encyclopedia of the Undead, Celtic Lore and Legend, and Walking With the Green Man. He lives in Northern Ireland with his wife and family. Ian Daniels has illustrated book covers for Marion Zimmer Bradley, Orson Scott Card, and Poul Anderson. His illustration projects include Vampires, Encyclopedia of the Undead, Dragonlore, and Gargoyles.

“A comprehensive encyclopedia of fantastic places straddling the nebulous borderlands between fact and fantasy.” —Frank Joseph, author of Opening the Ark of the Covenant There are places that turn up in literature or in film—mystical and legendary places whose names may be familiar but about which we know little. We nod knowingly at the reference, but are often left wondering about places such as Atlantis, the lost land overwhelmed by the sea, or El Dorado, the fabulous city that vanished somewhere in the South American jungles. Other names are more evocative—Mount Olympus, the Garden of Eden, the mystic Isle of Avalon, and Davy Jones’ Locker. But did such places actually exist and if so, where were they, and what really happened? What are the traditions and legends associated with them? In the fascinating book, Lost Lands, Forgotten Realms, historian Dr. Bob Curran sets out to find the answers by journeying to the far-flung corners of the world and to the outer reaches of human imagination. “In this fascinating encyclopedia of places that time forgot, Irish psychologist and historian Dr. Bob Curran brings the legends alive.” —Nexus magazine “Learned and erudite, yet written in an accessible and exceptionally readable style, this book is invaluable for those interested in the mysteries of vanished civilizations.” —Brian Haughton, author of Hidden History

Discover the colorful history of Evermeet—the serene, beautiful, and inviolate home of the elves—in this centuries-spanning Forgotten Realms tale Rich in magic and treasure, Evermeet is the ultimate paradise to those who hear of its legends. To the beleaguered elves of Toril, it is the ultimate refuge. But to many, it is the ultimate prize. At the heart of its story is Amlaruil, Queen of All Elves. When Evermeet comes under massive, devastating attack, her sacrifice holds the last hope of saving the elven homeland from the evils of the Beast Lord Malar. Written by one of the leading Forgotten Realms authors, Evermeet is a thrilling tour through elven history—a history checkered by war and intrigue, heroes and villains, mortals and gods.

Everything a player needs to adventure in the Forgotten Realms, the most popular setting in the D&D "RM" game can be found right here: history, maps, non-player characters, geography, economics, societies, organizations, religions, politics, monsters, magic items, spells ... even a start-up adventure in the Realms!

The millennia-old history of Faerun is haunted with ghosts, vampires, zombies, and all other manner of gruesome undead. This anthology of all-new stories is filled with the 12 most terrifying of these tales. Includes stories by R.A. Salvatore, Richard Baker, and Lisa Smedman. Original.

In the final installment in the Netheril Trilogy, Sunbright Steelshanks returns home to find much has changed since his departure The Netherese Empire is at risk of collapse as a forgotten foe, armed with a hell-spawned source of destructive magic, returns to seek her revenge and claim a lost love. Against this backdrop of war and chaos, Sunbright—weary of his banishment—returns to his home and the accusations from which he escaped. However, much has changed since Sunbright’s departure, and his people are suffering greatly. Equipped with skills learned on his adventures, Sunbright must discover whether he can forgive his early enemies and rise to a role of leadership for the good of his homeland—all while evading the wrath of the gods.

An embittered paladin races to stop evil forces from taking advantage of the chaos rolling across Faerûn and claiming dominion over the Realms Stubbornly clinging to his family’s worship of a long-forgotten god, paladin Kleef Kenric soon discovers that his god has blessed him with divine gifts, making him one of a new group of Chosen cropping up around the Realms. This divine gift makes him an excellent ally—and a target for those who wish to corral his powers. After battling his way out of Marsember, a city besieged on all sides in the wake of the Sundering, he becomes swept up in the mission of a group of odd allies—a warrior noblewoman, an accomplished thief, and a mysterious short, pudgy man exuding a faint odor of decay. With the forces of Shade tracking their every step, they travel to the Underdark to thwart the rise of the goddess of Death. But before long, Kleef learns that his allies hide dangerous secrets—secrets that could destroy not only Kleef but the very fabric of the Forgotten Realms.