Willoughby's World of Wonder

"One of the Best Books of 2019"

- Kirkus Reviews

This is the International Edition of Willoughby’s World of Wonder, a fictional reproduction of the famous 1882 Field Guide to Strange Beasts & Curious Creatures. Willoughby’s, as it was popularly known, was created by noted cryptozoologist and naturalist, Angus Willoughby. For half a century, this unique reference guide was used as a textbook in many universities around the globe, and was considered a primary reference of many cryptozoological societies and organizations. Years of painstaking research and expert restoration have yielded the amazing rebirth of this treasured book, which is as important today as it was when it was originally published.

Every single page of Willoughby’s is lavishly illustrated, with 136 strange beasts and curious creatures, each listed with an illustration and complete description. Included are many traditional beasts and folk, such as Pixies, Fearies, Sprites, Unicorns, and Gargoyles; but this is not your usual bestiary, filled with the tired old, familiar creatures. The majority of Willoughby’s is a host of strange folk and odd creatures the likes of which you have never seen before! Discover the tiny Beelephants and Air Horses; marvel at the mighty Leocornus; learn about the Storytelling Dragons; befriend the wily Spriggans and Pigwidgeons; search for the treasure-filled burrow of the Magpie Dragon; beware the Jinx and the Bogeyman! All these amazing beasties and more are sorted into nine categories: Fey Folk; Wee Folk; Great Folk; Wyre Folk; Creatures Amongst Us; Creatures of the Land, Sea, and Air; and Creatures of the Night.

This is Stephen Barnwell’s seventh book, and it is overflowing with whimsy and delight. All 184 pages of Willoughby’s are overflowing with beautiful, black-and-white Victorian engravings printed on fine 70# white paper. It was featured in Kirkus Reviews magazine in the Oct. 15, 2019 issue. Barnwell has won several awards for his books, and his first, Capital Offenses, was named one of the Best Books of 2014 by Publisher’s Weekly. Suitable for adults and young adults, Willoughby’s World of Wonder will enthrall readers of all ages.