The Things is a horrifying story about an alien creature, thawed from the ice, who tries to understand the limitations and violent nature of the humans it experiences upon awakening. This being, a hive-mind and mutable biomass views the universe through a different lens which is why I chose to print it’s thoughts and struggles in a totally unique way. Throughout the story, the creature is trying to understand its surroundings; by viewing the book with the aid of a UV flashlight you see these thoughts and see the world through the eyes of an alien being.

Bold pen and ink illustrations are printed throughout that interact with the UV illustrations. Under normal light, the alien’s thoughts appear as a blind impression, visible, but subtle. When viewed with a UV light, the illustrations unite and form a deeper narrative. The afterword features an interview with Peter Watts discussing this story along with additional concept illustrations.

Deluxe edition, quarter-bound in Japanese book cloth with foil-stamped logo and blue goatskin spine. This edition comes in a matching slipcase with hidden UV printing inside. A true collector's edition, limited to only fifty copies, this unique book includes either a standard UV flashlight or a limited-­edition, custom-designed, 3D-printed, and hand-painted flying saucer flashlight. The saucer flashlight is the spaceship in which the Thing crashed and helps you see its thoughts. The sculpture comes in a hand-made box matching the book and includes a display stand. This edition is 11.5 x 9”.

2011 Shirley Jackson Award for Best Short Story
2011 Finalist - Hugo Award for Best Short Story
2011 Finalist - Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award
2011 Finalist - BSFA Award for Best Short Fiction

All designs and illustrations are by Todd Thyberg. Currently, I am finishing the illustrations for The Things and will print and ship books in the fall of 2024. See the work-in-progress spreads below to get a sense of how they will look.

Letterpress printed on 1950’s era Heidelberg presses along with a 1940’s Vandercook.

Price includes shipping to the continental US. For international destinations, please email your address and I will determine the exact shipping to your country.