Allison: The Resurrectionist | E.B. Hudspeth | Book Review

To say that The Resurrectionist: The Lost Works of Dr. Spencer Black by E.B. Hudspeth is out of my normal comfort zone would honestly be a little bit of an understatement. Yet when I received the email from Eric at Quirk Books about reviewing it I couldn’t help but be drawn in. There was something about this book that was just calling to me. I have no idea why but now that I’ve read it I can easily say that I’m glad I agreed to review it – creepy crawlies up my spine and all.

The book is actually two books in one. The first is the fictional biography of a late 1800’s doctor named Spencer Black. Through narrative, letters, and diary excerpts, the reader gets to learn about this man and his research. I should actually put research in quotation marks because the things that the man believes are a bit disturbing to say the least. What starts out as a somewhat innocent search for scientific answers regarding human deformities ultimately takes a turn in the wrong direction. This story is NOT for the faint at heart. It is a bit twisted and a bit graphic at times. It is also a very quirk read as it only 65 pages long. Believe me though 65 pages are enough to understand that Dr. Spencer Black is not your ordinary doctor, and the things that he believes to be reality are not of the normal scientific world.

A Harpy (Credit: E.B. Hudspeth Official Website)

The second half of The Resurrectionist gives you even more proof that Dr. Black is not of the right mind. It contains illustrations of mythological creatures which he believes did exist. For every mythological creature that Dr. Black discovered, he provides an in depth detailed anatomical illustration. There is also a short description of the creature followed by several drawings in which you look at the creature from multiple different angles. Every section is labeled from the bones to the muscles to anything in between. It literally feels like these creatures are real! I couldn’t help but stare at them with a opened mouth look of surprise, awe, and confusion. The drawings are so good, and there is no detail left uncovered. I loved flipping through the pages, and seeing the drawings, and attempting to get into the head of Dr. Black. His mindset gave me chills!

If you’re a fan of more disturbing stories, or if you’re looking for something a little bit out of your normal comfort zone, I would recommend this book to you. Unless of course you are more of the faint of heart because as I said, The Resurrectionist can be a bit twisted, and at times might be too much for some people to handle. It is not a book for everyone (definitely not for children). I however am glad that I decided to give it a shot and review it creepy crawlies and all!

Disclosure: Received copy from publisher for an honest review

Other Reviews of The Resurrectionist: The Lost Works of Dr. Spencer Black by E.B. Hudspeth: 

The Book Smugglers: “The Resurrectionist is much more than just a 70 page fictitious biography – it is a work of art and a gorgeously composed package, and for that reason The Resurrectionist is certainly worth the read.”

Impressions of a Reader: “For readers like me who love a taste of the unique and different, the aesthetically beautiful journey into the dark mind of a madman in The Resurrectionist will most certainly do.”

Doubleshot Reviews: “The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black is a very unique piece of work that would fit very well as a coffee table book in the right household.”

The Crabby Review: “The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black is a rare treat for horror fans, and I can’t recommend it enough.“