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Description
A haunting collaboration between renowned editor & photographer Ellen Datlow, award-winning horror writer Kaaron Warren, and book artist Monica Carroll, Spirit Level transforms ordinary antique tools into vessels of dread.
This book, based on a limited edition artist’s book, presents ten mysterious objects, from a 1930s German camera timer to corroded iron pliers, photographed by Datlow and re-imagined through Carroll’s artistic interpretation. Warren crafts chilling micro-fiction for each tool, revealing dark histories of family curses, repeated deaths, and sinister purposes. A grandfather’s measuring device that counts final breaths. A button hook that holds memories of a buried woman. Teeth set in silver, waiting for the perfect mouth.
Summary
I had the pleasure to recently read the illustrated horror pocket book Spirit Level: Strange Tools and Story by Ellen Datlow, Kaaron Warren & Monica Carroll.
Review
Spirit Level is a newly illustrated collection of microfiction that Warren uses inspiration from antique tools (photography and tools from Datlow) to produce ten haunting and unforgettable dark tales.
A few of my favourite pieces include “Big Mouth, Loud Mouth”, “The Last Tool”, and “I Have A Collection” from the microfiction collection of Tool Tales, Spirit Level includes original illustrations from Carroll which are exquisitely detailed and beautifully executed. A truly unique collection of dark tales and artistic delights.
Conclusion
A highly recommended read! An amazing series of illustrations to accompany the stories fans will remember and love from Tool Tales. This is a new beautiful collection of haunting psychological horror.
** This is my personal opinion and does not affect any potential judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 