Steven C. (SteveTheDM) -
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked the *idea* behind this book. And I really liked what Ann VenderMeer wrote about the book on John Scalzi's blog, "Whatever". I really wanted to get a kick out of how this thing was done. But aside from a few fun stories, I felt really let down.
Here's the basic premise: Thackery T. Lambshead has a collection of eclectic oddities that he stores in his mansion in some ill-specified cabinet. Each of the contributors to the "Cabinet of Curiosities" anthology contributed words or artwork (or both!), often in the form of museum catalog listing or art critique. Sometimes a narrative or two.
And those art critiques? They were just as dry and full of themselves that all the art critiques I ever read in college. The catalog entries are dry and lifeless. The *narratives* are generally quite good, but form only about half of the total book.
This is a really cool idea, but I think I was looking for stories only, and maybe an I-Spy page or two of a crowded cabinet. What I got ripped too much of the fun away.
3 of 5 stars.
Here's the basic premise: Thackery T. Lambshead has a collection of eclectic oddities that he stores in his mansion in some ill-specified cabinet. Each of the contributors to the "Cabinet of Curiosities" anthology contributed words or artwork (or both!), often in the form of museum catalog listing or art critique. Sometimes a narrative or two.
And those art critiques? They were just as dry and full of themselves that all the art critiques I ever read in college. The catalog entries are dry and lifeless. The *narratives* are generally quite good, but form only about half of the total book.
This is a really cool idea, but I think I was looking for stories only, and maybe an I-Spy page or two of a crowded cabinet. What I got ripped too much of the fun away.
3 of 5 stars.
