"In Islands of the Mind, historian John R. Gillis explores the fascination with islands throughout history, looking at everything from ancient Greek epics, religious symbolism of early Christians, Atlantis and other myths, to the modern tourism industry. Islands fired the imaginations of explorers as they voyaged into the unknown in search of utopia and captivated scientific minds as well, the Galapagos inspiring Darwin and Samoa enchanting Margaret Mead. A sweeping, magisterial, and utterly enchanting work of cultural history, Islands of the Mind draws the reader under the same spell that islands themselves hold over the human imagination."--Jacket.