work blog about search
 
 

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies Cookbook

hsms_cookbook_cover

I’m dead proud to announce the publication of the Hoxton Street Monster Supplies Cookbook, which I recently designed for Octopus Books and the Ministry of Stories.

Here’s the blurb:

‘For hundreds of years, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies has been supplying quality goods for the Living, Dead and Undead - and this, its classic recipe book, has been in use for just as long. Now, for the first time, it has been adapted for use by humans. So whether you are entertaining trolls, hosting a vampire soirée or expecting zombies round for tea, you can make delicious treats to suit every occasion. With recipes and handy hints for monster housekeeping, this classic tome is an essential addition to every home, lair, cave, swamp or fiery pit.’

Here a photos of a few spreads:

hsms_cookbook_spreads_108-109

hsms_cookbook_spreads_50-51

hsms_cookbook_spreads_76-77

hsms_cookbook_spreads_124-125

The book has been brilliantly written by Cara Frost-Sharratt, with a few additions by myself. The wonderful illustrations are by the fantastic Caroline Church, and they really make the book.

generalcookingaw

I looked at Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management, classic Victorian cookbook, for inspiration. So as with that, our book features a few pages of adverts at the front and back. This pair of ads are for The Collywobbles, and for Grimm & Co., the amazing Apothecary for Magical Beings in Rotherham.

cookbook_spreads_adverts

Here’s a short promotional film, showing the making of some Fresh Maggot Brownies:

(You can see some more of the films here.)

The book is available from Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, with profits going to the Ministry of Stories – and it’s rather perfect for Halloween…

Oh, and there’s also a US edition, titled The Monster’s Cookbook, which is out later this month.

posted: 8 September 2016
categories: Books | Illustration | Ministry of Stories | Shop
 
recommended reading

Ace Jet 170
One of the finest individual design blogs (it’s been going as long as I have!) from Irish designer Richard Weston. Covering found type, print and stuff.

Casual Optimist
If you want to know what’s happening in the world of book cover design, keep an eye on this excellent blog by Dan Wagstaff.

Design Declares
A growing group of designers, design studios, agencies and institutions who have declared a climate and ecological emergency. As part of the global declaration movement, we commit to harnessing the tools of our industry to reimagine, rebuild and heal our world.

Eye Magazine
The best graphic design magazine out there, from editor John L. Walters and art director Simon Esterson.

Flat File
A fantastic collection of online publications based on pieces from the Herb Lubalin Study Centre.

Justin’s Amazing World
Justin Hobson, of Fenner Paper, is a bona fide expert on paper & print, and a charming chap to boot. His blog features in-depth analysis of the projects he’s worked on, including a few of our own.

Kottke.org
One of the oldest blogs on the web. And one of the best.

Spitalfields Life
The anonymous Gentle Author of this wonderful blog has promised to write 10,000 stories about the life & culture of Spitalfields in east London, writing one story each and every day.

St Bride Library
The St Bride Library houses one of the world’s finest collection of books (& related objects) about printing and design. It also hosts unmissable design talks and events.