World of Weird: A Creepy Compendium of True Stories

by Tom Adams

Celsius Pictor (Illustrator)

In the 21st century, a scientist uncovers their Victorian ancestor’s notebook in a box. This ancestor is Dr McCreebor – an eminent explorer, philosopher and collector of the very strange and truly creepy.
 
Dr McCreebor's book is filled with the dark and disturbing stories he has collected on his travels around the world. And now, after over 125 years in a dusty attic, Dr McCreebor’s writings can be read… by only the bravest.
 
Discover the fascinating stories behind a series of objects, people and placesin every chapter. McCreebor writes from a Victorian perspective – and his descendant isn't afraid to write notes in the margins, bringing the science into the 21st century.

Uncover Artificalia (man-made objects), Naturalia (natural creatures and beings), Spiritualis (the spirit world), ScelereSupplicium (crime and punishment), Scientifica (scientific tools), Magicae (magical objects) and Morteum (skulls, bodies and more). Steampunk illustrator Celsius Pictor intricately illustrates McCreebor’s sketches, maps, records and photographs.

From shrunken heads to witches’ charms, saints’ blood to graverobbers’ remains, hangman’s salve to trepanning tools, this book is a peek into our grisly and macabre past.
 

• ISBN13: 9780711269521
• Publish Date: 2 August 2022
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Wide Eyed Editions
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 64
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

World of Weird is an anthology of true (but somewhat creepy) curiosities gathered and explained by the fictive Dr. McCreebor (Tom Adams) in a manner which will delight all ages. Due out 2nd Aug 2022 from Quarto on their Wide Eyed Editions imprint, it's 64 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is written as a book inside a book - as a journal found by a scientist of his Victorian ancestor's notes and drawings. It's got an engaging and graphically appealing layout and is full of interesting and weird tidbits from natural history, ephemera, and other oddities. Aimed at all ages, it's written in easy to understand language and it's fully illustrated, so kids 8+ will likely find it fascinating. The subjects are presented in a (mostly) age appropriate manner and there's nothing directly graphic or violent.There is a section with implements of torture which is a bit morbid and which will have most kids gleefully interested in bygone torture machines. (I certainly was at that age and even made a model of an iron maiden for a school project which horrified everyone).

The entries are gathered thematically into chapters: mechanical items, natural world, spiritualism in Victorian times, crime and punishment, magic, and death practices. The author has included a glossary, but the book lacks an index or bibliography.

The book is illustrated in an antique style with electronic line drawn images and clip-art graphics by "Celsius Pictor". The drawings are engaging and retro/antique looking. The type is high contrast and easy to read.

Four stars. This is the kind of book the majority of kids will find fascinating. It might be a bit much for sensitive readers. For that reason, I would encourage a thorough reading on the part of library acquisition committees before adding to their juvenile library collections. It's otherwise weird and quirky and I recommend it.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.