It is perhaps the eighth wonder of our world that despite modern mapping and satellite photography our planet continues to surprise us.

Travis Elborough goes in search of the obscure and bizarre, the beautiful and estranged. From the church tower of San Juan Parangaricutiro - that miraculously stands as the sole survivor of a town sunk by lava - to the underground realms of Berlin and Beijing dug for refuge and espionage, these maps reveal incredible stories of hidden lairs, forgotten cities and improbable wonders.

With beautiful maps and stunning photography, Atlas of Improbable Places is a fascinating voyage to the world's most unusual destinations. These curious locations are not just extraordinary sights, but reflections on our own relationship with the world around us.

Maps by: Alan Horsfield