3This edition of Atlantis: The Antediluvian World contains every vital illustration and table from the original, 1882 edition.

This text represents the sum of Senator Ignatius Donnelly's attempts to prove, through numerous sources, the existence of the lost city of Atlantis beneath the Atlantic Ocean. Numerous pieces of evidence are cited, with Donnelly's central thesis being that there was certain cross-migration between the Europe, North Africa and the American continent via the city whilst it was afloat in ancient times.

To this end, Donnelly demonstrates similarities in the architectural styles, writing, art and cultures of civilisations either side of the ocean. The presence of these apparently related traits demonstrate the existence of Atlantis - or so the hypothesis runs. If this is the case, could conventional belief that humanity only began regular transatlantic sea crossings in the 15th century be false?

Although reasonably well-received at the time of its first publication, with vocal support from prominent theosophists, over the years Donnelly has become regarded as an example of a pseudo-scientist. Subsequent undersea expeditions, including dives to the sea floor have uncovered no evidence of Atlantis. Intellectuals such as Martin Gardner, and more recently Floyd E. Randall have rejected the Donnelly's theories as far-fetched and bizarre.

Nevertheless, the thoroughness of Donnelly's work has sparked some historical interest. Although the contemporary view is that his views and theories were nonsense, the Senator's efforts to argue for Atlantis's existence remain undeniably voracious and interesting.