Like Rome, Atlantis certainly was not built in a day. So it should surprise no one that this publication may need a bit more time to realize the full-blown maturity which we envision. The product to date, we believe, has shown enough promise to justify some patience, but we hope our evolution will take somewhat less than the 100,000 thousand years or so reputedly required by our ancient forerunner.

We are delighted, of course, that readers have high expectations for us, and we hope not only to fulfill but to exceed your vision. Be advised, though, that the day when Atlantis Rising can mount full-scale archeological expeditions, sponsor comprehensive scientific research or shoot its own television specials is down the road a bit. Anyway, please, hold that thought. Someday we hope to do many such things, but for now, we will concentrate on getting our publishing act together.

We are, however, happy to report that Atlantis Rising is sponsoring an upcoming tour of Egypt led by Emmy-award-winning researcher John Anthony West. For anyone who has dreamed of visiting the many wonders along the Nile in the company of one of the most visionary scholars of our time, the event should be the kind of stuff of which tales to grandchildren are made. If you have followed West's debate over the age of the Sphinx and other issues with the Egyptological establishment, we believe you will recognize an unparalleled opportunity here to learn the amazing facts first-hand. For more information, please consult the back cover of this issue.

Hopefully, this will be the first of many such trips. If you are interested in participating in other group tours to the world's most mysterious and interesting destinations, please write to us. This is an area we wish to develop as quickly as possible.

For those unable to take part in such treks personally, it's worth mentioning that the next best thing to actually going could be reading about it in Atlantis Rising. For a case in point, don't miss in this issue the personal tips of maverick archeologist David Childress on favorite magical journeys you can take without leaving the planet.

Your ticket for many such adventures is the price of a subscription, only $19.75. Just call 800/228-8381 and use your Visa or MasterCard now. All subscriptions will begin with the next issue, but your adventure begins now.

J. Douglas Kenyon

Publisher