Tags
art, book, Cabinet of Curiosities, Cherie Priest, dark fantasy, Eric Orchard, Holly Black, illustration, review, steampunk, Tad Williams
The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities: Exhibits, Oddities, Images & Stories from Top Authors & Artists
Edited by Ann & Jeff VanderMeer
A few of the incredible contributors: Holly Black, Ted Chiang, Caitlín R. Kiernan, Jay Lake, China Miéville, Naomi Novik, Eric Orchard, Cherie Priest, Tad Williams and so many more!
Art + Eccentric Short Stories = The perfect book for me.
My thoughts:
Reading The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities was like finding a chest your grandparents kept hidden in the attic and discovering it full of wondrous treasures and secrets. For me, it was my great uncles–obsessive readers, war veterans, and I’ll be honest–hoarders. When they passed away in the ’90s the family came together in Virginia to clean house. The house, over 100 years old, was like a museum. The experience thrilled me, like a child in a candy shop. The Cabinet of Curiosities did the same, it is the attic full (or basement in Lambshead’s case) of treasures. I’ll admit, I became so enthralled with the book’s art and stories I almost forgot I was reading fiction. Or was I? 😉
The Cabinet of Curiosities is divided into several sections. Some contain short stories inspired by objects in Dr. Lambshead’s collection, others are portrayed as documentation or research on a particular item. There are even first person accounts later in the book from individuals who had the opportunity to see the cabinet. The remainder of the book reads like a museum catalog.
Ann & Jeff VanderMeer have sculpted a rich masterpiece of Steampunk and Fantasy, with eccentric characters and marvelous artifacts and devices. This is one of the best collections of art/fiction, under the guise of non-fiction, that I’ve read this year. I gave it five stars on Goodreads!
A few of my favorites:
Dacey’s Patent Automatic Nanny Documented by Ted Chiang
Weird. Very weird, but in a good way.
Threads by Carrie Vaughn
The first story in the volume is a bit of a puzzle. But wait for it… Wait for it… 😉
Lot 558: Shadow of my Nephew by Wells, Charlotte by Holly Black
I loved this short story and the accompany illustration by Eric Orchard. This one tugged at my heart.
A Short History of Dunkelblau’s Meistergarten by Tad Williams
This was the most disturbing piece in the volume, but I couldn’t stop reading. An alternative title could have been: The Horror of Dunkelblau’s Meistergarten.
Addision Howell and the Clockroach Documented by Cherie Priest
As incredible as it may sound (a Clockroach?!) this story was one of the most believable. It was also a reminder that I must read more of Cherie Priest’s works.
Amanda Makepeace's Imagination Run Amok 
I have met Ms. Priest, she used to live in my neck of the woods, and she is a wonderful person and great writer! We love her at ubs!!! (Last time I saw her she had purple/blue hair which was lovely.)
Have read the first in the Boneshaker series, with the intention to read more … she has now (sadly for us at the book store) moved back to the east coast and I certainly hope that she is happy. Did you put her name in the tag line? Maybe she will respond to your blog post? Wouldn’t that be fun?! I love it when things like that happen.
This collection that you gave FIVE stars to at goodreads, does tempt me … so maybe I will move past my initial – ugh! – and into the treasure trove that you speak of?!
And, thanks so much for continuing to be my one and only commentator at my work blog! Bless you. My boss finally admitted that I was the only person posting these days … Don’t want to be, would rather be in good company, but I do like getting credit for work done mostly at home … I take my own photos (not great ones, but they do depict the story or tales I am espousing.)
Your blog continues to inspire MEEEE, so for myself I say keep reviewing good books, and keep posting your own wonderful stories, amazing drawings, luminous paintings, and stellar photos!!! [This is one blogger’s humble opinion.]
Yes! Ms. Priest has moved back into my neck of the woods. We are only three hours from Chattanooga, TN. 😉
I will say, I think you have to love hidden treasures, antiquities, artifacts and pseudo-nonfiction to really enjoy The Cabinet of Curiosities. I’ve seen a couple reviews from folks who just didn’t get it–it wasn’t their cup of tea. For me, it was as if Harper Voyager read my mind.
And in the “it’s a small world” category … did you notice that one of the people like-ing you is from the far away world of Indonesia?! Cool how that works, eh?! 😛
oh, and just one more wee note (lol): I finally got around to liking your short story posted at goodreads … and I left a message..
Thank you so much!!
I noticed you were reading this on goodreads and was curious what you’d think. Adding to my TBR pile now. Sounds right up my alley.
Excellent!
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