World of Weird: A Creepy Compendium of True Stories; Tom Adams, illustrated by Celsius Pictor

Those fascinated by the strange, the bizarre, the gruesome, the eerie and the outright creepy will love this historical non-fiction read.

For years, the McCreebor family have kept the identity of the late Dr McCreebor hidden from his great-granddaughter. Along with his identity, his lifetime’s work has been kept boxed away in an attic, safe and out of public viewing for one-hundred and twenty-five years…until now. The notebooks and manuscripts of the Victorian explorer, philosopher and collector of the strange and creepy have been discovered. Blood-spurting lizards, the diving pencil, the cangue, snail syrup, dental keys, witch poppets and death masks reveal a grisly and macabre past. Be warned, only the bravest should dare read…

This wonderfully weird, deliciously dark and slightly disturbing collection of stories from the past is not for the faint-hearted. Neatly presented over seven sections - the Artificial, the Natural, the Spiritual, Crime & Punishment, the Scientific, the Magical, and Death - readers can expect to learn all about humankind’s rather grisly and macabre past that includes automata, strange creatures, enchanted objects, cruel punishment devices, skulls, spells and unique burial rituals. Personal favourites are the tooth worm, the Egyptian toe, the Iron Maiden and the tempest prognosticator - I reiterate, this is not for the squeamish.

Introduced by the late Doctor’s great grand-daughter, Dr Leila, pages take the form of stories and notes that the curious explorer and philosopher collected on his global travels. The majority of writings come from the late Doctor with Dr Leila adding her own jottings that provide further information or challenge the Doctor’s own words. Celsius Pictor’s artwork is curious, intriguing  and sinister, and is guaranteed to the have the hairs standing on the back of the neck and the odd shiver racing down the spine.

Fascinating and frightening in equal measure.

With huge thanks to Allen & Unwin and Quarto for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for 9+.