Romance of Atlantis

Romance of Atlantis takes readers to the sophisticated civilization of Atlantis during a time of impending crisis. The story centers on Empress Salustra, who must navigate political intrigue and environmental threats to protect her realm. The novel depicts a society of advanced technology and cultural achievement facing mysterious ecological disasters. A proposed marriage alliance between Atlantis and a northern kingdom becomes central to the empire's survival strategy. The book's origins are notable, as Caldwell wrote the initial manuscript at age twelve, based on vivid recurring dreams. The published version, released in 1975, represents a collaboration between Caldwell and Jess Stearn. The narrative explores themes of civilization's fragility and the tension between technological progress and natural forces. It raises questions about power, responsibility, and the price of advancement.

This 1975 novel receives limited reviews online, with readers noting its departure from Caldwell's usual historical fiction style. Fans appreciate: - The detailed descriptions of Atlantean culture and society - The romance elements between Queen Salustra and Prince Geminus - The imaginative take on the Atlantis myth Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Overuse of flowery language - Plot predictability - Character development feels rushed Review scores: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (84 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (31 ratings) Multiple reviewers mention the book reads more like a fantasy romance than historical fiction. One reviewer on Goodreads notes: "If you're expecting Caldwell's usual meticulous historical research, this isn't it. This is pure romantic fantasy." Several Amazon reviewers point out the book was published posthumously from an early manuscript, which may explain its different style from Caldwell's other works.

Lost Horizon by James Hilton Chronicles a hidden civilization in the Himalayas facing preservation of its advanced culture, mirroring Atlantis's struggle to maintain its sophisticated society.

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley Presents the fall of Camelot through the perspective of its women rulers, sharing themes of power and civilization's decline with Salustra's story.

The Fall of Gondolin by J. R. R. Tolkien Depicts the destruction of an advanced civilization through both political conflict and natural forces, paralleling the fate of Atlantis.

Atlantis Found by Clive Cussler Connects ancient Atlantean technology to modern-day threats, expanding on the themes of advanced civilizations and environmental catastrophe.

The Ancient One by T.A. Barron Explores the connection between technological advancement and environmental responsibility through the lens of a lost civilization.

🔸 Plato first mentioned Atlantis in his dialogues "Timaeus" and "Critias" around 360 BCE, describing it as an advanced island civilization that existed 9,000 years before his time. 🔸 Taylor Caldwell wrote "Romance of Atlantis" when she was only 12 years old, yet it wasn't published until 1975, nearly six decades after she wrote it. 🔸 The author's birth name was Janet Miriam Holland Taylor Caldwell, and she wrote under multiple pseudonyms throughout her career, publishing over 40 novels. 🔸 The recurring dreams that inspired the novel align with Carl Jung's concept of the "collective unconscious," which suggests that certain memories and archetypes are shared across humanity. 🔸 Scientific expeditions continue to search for evidence of Atlantis, with locations ranging from Santorini, Greece to the Bimini Road in the Bahamas proposed as possible sites of the lost civilization.