Tales of the Peculiar

Tales of the Peculiar, edited and annotated by Millard Nullings, illustrated by Andrew Davidson, published by Syndrigast Publications – and very elegantly too with its gold embossed cover, attractive end papers and stunning illustrations. The clue is in the title – these are peculiar tales about peculiars, so the reader must be prepared to be intrigued, surprised – even horrified. However, the fiction is carried off with aplomb and a sure storytelling tone; folk and fairytale have clearly inspired some. These are tales that would appeal to readers who might be moving towards Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected and who are already fans of Gidwitz. Not perhaps for everyone, but definitely for the curious – and the peculiar.