Odd Books

Here you may read all about some very strange books including those pictured and many more.

Or, you may learn about the notorious rascal Frank Harris (1856-1931), author of that most lascivious and lying autobiography My Life and Loves.

Or, about Amanda McKittrick Ros (1860-1939), considered by some to be the worst ever novelist and poet.

Or, about Webster Edgerly (1852-1926), a misanthropic writer of dozens of books of self-help and pseudo-scientific crankery.

Or, some awful poetry.

Or, about me.

Latest Odd Book Reviews

Arresting Disclosures

John A. Bolton, M.I.H.
One day, several years ago, when passing by some stacks of laundered undergarments, my attention was arrested by an unpleasant odour of perspiration, which is frequently noticed in garments worn next to the skin. This was the pivotal moment in John A. Bolton's career, his road to Damascus, his… continue reading

File under: health, clothes, filth

The River Thames

John William Pitt
There are few good reasons to write a long poetic work, especially when the poetry is mediocre at best. John William Pitt had the notion that his literary salute to the Thames would be widely used in schools, which indeed it might if the business of education was to acquaint children with a random… continue reading

File under: poetry, waterways

Spunk

David V Bush
Alfred A---- of the United Kingdom, though born into pitiful circumstances, is now hailed on every side as the world's greatest collector of books that others do not want. How did he accomplish such a feat? When confronted with unreadable pages penned by maniacs, did he shy away? No! Rather, he… continue reading

File under: psychology, oo-er missus, self-help

The Ensign

James Campbell Bell
James Campbell Bell, the salvation of the Daughter of Zion, counts numbers. In this single sentence, which appears alone on a page before the main body of the text like a dedication, James Campbell Bell gives a perfect precis of what follows: a grandiose flowering in which his religious mania is… continue reading

File under: numerology, Christianity

The Rational Almanac

Moses B. Cotsworth
Moses B. Cotsworth dreamed of reforming the common calendar, but his approach to telling the world of his ideas was so endearingly eccentric that few were ready to listen, with one surprising exception. His insistence on abusing the word "almanac" to mean the calendar system is the least of his… continue reading

File under: pyramids, calendar reform

Most Popular Reviews

Moles and Their Meaning

Harry De Windt
BUY Moles and their Meaning today. This little book is something of a classic of its kind. It first came to my notice through Ash and Lake's Bizarre Books (1985, 1998), an admirable publication which I strongly recommend, though its authors take a fairly light-hearted approach to their material… continue reading

File under: physiognomy, divination, molesophy

Cyclomancy: The Secret of Psychic Power Control

Frank Rudolph Young
Power. Deep down, isn't that what we all want? Power over others, power to induce them to do our bidding, power to get what we want when we want it. Even better, psychic power, so one can control people with the mind, without resistance or resentment. (Just what I want for my birthday, in case you… continue reading

File under: occult powers, invented terminology, Excessive Use Of Capitalization

Does the Earth Rotate? NO!

William Westfield [pseudonym of William Edgell?]
In the compiling of this little book as a contradiction of the theory of the present Astronomers I have made a special point of being as concise and plain as possible in putting forward my proofs, and to do so I have used simple language not indulging in astronomical terms. My intention is to… continue reading

File under: flat earth, astronomy, theories, delightful illustrations

Earth's Earliest Ages

G. H. Pember
(Please note that this article contains mockery of sincerely held Christian beliefs, albeit of the flakier variety. If that sort of thing offends you, kindly shove off). It is interesting to observe how some misguided souls manage to build vast towers of supposition on the shakiest foundations by… continue reading

File under: Christianity, pre-adamites, Spiritualism, Satan, occult powers

Murdered Heiress... Living Witness

Dr. Petti Wagner
Wagner's account of her kidnapping and miraculous escape is a sort of fairy story for the soft of head. Born into a wealthy family, she became a successful businesswoman in her own right with her Herbagere hydroponics and Menotti permanent wave products. In 1971, though, her life was changed… continue reading

File under: Christianity, conspiracy, hair, crime, the most notorious psychiatrist in Texas