The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black is a book told in two parts; the first half is a fictional biography of Dr. Spencer Black, the second is a series of illustrations attributed to the doctor. When I picked up the book, the first thing I did was leaf through the illustrations in the back. I was immediately struck by how well-done and detailed they were and became fascinated with the combination of mythological creature anatomy and medical science – little did I know at the time, but after finishing the fictional biography part of the book, I would never look at those images the same again.

The fictional biography part of The Resurrectionist is only about 65 pages long, and some of those pages are taken up with full page illustrations and pictures as well, but those 65 pages were quite enough to take the reader through the life and times of Dr. Spencer Black, a once brilliant surgeon turned horrific mad scientist. The styling of the tale, using a dry documentary type voice, gentlemanly letters, and diary fragments, really allows the horror to creep up ever so slowly. By the time one realizes the depth of depravity the good doctor has reached in his slowly growing madness, it’s too late to turn away – you know too much and you must see it through to the end. And then the reader, having learned the terrible truth, comes to the illustrations in The Codex Extinct Animalia. After reading the biography, the images take on a whole new meaning, increasing the horror on an even more visceral level – especially the last section.

This book was fantastic. I have the hardback edition and it’s gorgeous (which, when combined with the macabre tale within, only adds to the book’s appeal). The illustrations really are a thing of (disturbing) beauty all by themselves and all together it’s the kind of book that begs to be shown to others, be it a place of prominence on a bookshelf or as a conversation piece on a coffee table. I’m actually really squeamish about body horror and gore, but the build is so subtle here, so well done, that I found myself enthralled despite myself. If you enjoy gothic Victorian horror, or horror of any kind actually, you need to get your hands on a copy of this book.

*I received a copy of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.