Philadelphia-based publisher Quirk Books creates strikingly unconventional books. Founded in 2002, they publish 25 new titles a year.
Their quirky brand has landed them some of the most unlikely hit-makers in history, including Seth Grahame-Smith, who wrote Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and Ransom Riggs, whose spine-tingling young adult fantasy Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children has sold more than nine million copies.
Pop Culture
Pop culture is a term used to describe cultural products such as music, art, literature, fashion, dance, film, cyberculture, television and radio that are popular with the mass population of a society.
A number of different definitions are given to pop culture, but the most common is that it is a culture that appeals to a large audience. It is also considered to be commercial (meaning that it is produced for mass consumption by non-discriminating consumers).
Another common definition of pop culture is that it is folk culture, meaning that it is created from the people instead of being imposed on them. In this way, it is authentic and shouldn't be seen as commercial, like the definition of "high culture."
Another source of popular culture is professional communities that provide the public with information about the world, frequently accompanied by interpretation. These include the news media and scientific and scholarly communities.
Humor & Gift
Headquartered on a charming cobblestone street in the historic Old City district of Philadelphia, Quirk Books publishes just 25 strikingly unconventional books per year. These bold, unprecedented, beautifully designed books are a labor of love born out of our passions and obsessions--from pop culture titles to gag gifts to art books.
In addition to humor, Quirk also publishes books in the categories of horror, sci-fi & fantasy, food and drink, parenting, pets, history, crafts, reference, and “irreference.” They have published several best-selling titles, including Grady Hendrix, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
The Quirk team is especially interested in books that explore cultural obsessions and affection, and that offer a darkly absurd millennial sensibility. They are particularly open to adult narrative nonfiction, fiction for adults, and gift books.
Horror
Horror is one of Quirk Books' favorite genres, and we're excited to fill your calendar with frightful fiction during the month of October. Whether you're looking for a spooky ghost story or a bloody horror movie, we have something for everyone.
A key element of the genre is that it takes the reader on a journey that creates a sense of fear. This doesn't mean that the reader will always be scared, but it does mean that they will gain a sense of excitement and stimulation as they follow the protagonist on their journey.
The genre has been around for centuries, and many of its earliest examples can be found in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. In literature, horror stories are often cautionary tales that highlight the dangers of evil and sin. They can also be used to explore themes related to death, demons, and the afterlife. During the 19th century, authors like Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe helped elevate horror to an art form.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Science fiction is a genre of literature that deals with the future, often in dystopian, hyper-technological settings. Its protagonists are frequently people whose lives are affected by scientific advances, or who are forced to confront social and environmental changes.
In contrast, fantasy stories are set in worlds with supernatural or magical events. These worlds may be based on our own or they can be completely different from the real world.
Despite the differences, the two genres share some characteristics. They both deal with the hypothetical and imagination, and they each require some internal consistency and logic to make sense.
Science fiction has a basis in science, which makes it plausible since it contains scenarios and technologies that have been invented or discovered through science. Fantasy, on the other hand, has no basis in science and is made up of impossibilities. This is why the genres are sometimes referred to as speculative fiction.
Food & Drink
Food & Drink is one of the most popular genres at Quirk Books. In addition to the popular Field Guide series, they publish cookbooks, elegant wine and spirits projects, humorous parodies, and classic children’s books. They also acquire books with a pop culture spin, such as Ransom Riggs’s Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Jane Austen’s sensational Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
With summer approaching, it’s time to cool down with a refreshing cocktail. In Summer Cocktails: Margaritas, Mint Juleps, Punches, Party Snacks and More (Quirk Books), food stylist Maria del Mar Sacasa provides over 100 recipes to make your summer drinks taste like a dream. These refreshing libations are sure to please anyone who loves a good cocktail, and they’re perfect for celebrating a new year’s resolution or just relaxing on the porch with friends. The perfect addition to any food lover’s library! The book is illustrated with color photography.
Parenting
Parenting, or child rearing, is the process of meeting a child's physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs. It is a complex undertaking that requires both patience and foresight, but if done well it can be life-changing. The National Academy of Sciences defines parenting as “the processes by which individuals provide care, guidance and protection for children to promote their healthy development.” It is also a time-honored tradition in many cultures. The most successful parents exhibit a unique combination of sensitivity to a child's cues, consistent behavior adherence and clear behavioral expectations. In the early years, this may seem obvious, but as a child matures and enters the school system, it's not always easy to keep up with the competition. This challenge is the inspiration for our Four C's of Parenting series of books. We hope you enjoy reading them! Located on a quiet cobblestone street in Philadelphia, Quirk Books publishes approximately 25 new titles each year.
Pets
Quirk is a small but mighty publisher with titles in pop culture, humor and gift, fad diets, horror, science, history, technology, books about pets, the art of tea, and the list goes on. They boast some of the highest quality, most entertaining, and most enlightening titles in their respective categories. Their bestselling YA title, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, is a definite winner.
Their pet-related book of the year, Lily and the Octopus (seen here in a picture book form) is also a winner. It's not the longest title in the world, but it has plenty of eye candy. This is a fun, engaging book that is sure to be enjoyed by adults and children alike. The best part? The book is free. The company's motto is "Quirky fun, err, kooky fun." We hope you'll give it a try! Be sure to check back often! We'll be adding to this collection as we see new titles come online.
Crafts
Crafts are a large part of the Quirk Books collection. Their books cover everything from pop culture to horror, sci-fi and fantasy, food and drink, parenting, pets, history and reference, and even a little “irreference.”
Craft refers to any activity that involves the creation of tangible objects with the use of hands and brain. It includes painting, sculpture, drawing, architecture, etc.
It also includes a wide variety of handmade items, such as pottery, embroidery, macrame, beading and quilting. These items are usually made by skilled workers and take a lot of time to produce.
They are also a popular form of hobby and support century-old traditions. They are also a good way to spend your time and improve your mental health.
Reference
Reference books, which are also called encyclopedias, contain factual information about a specific subject. They are usually arranged alphabetically and are used for research or to learn more about a topic.
Quirk Books was founded in 2002 and publishes about 25 books a year. They are mainly a nonfiction book publisher, but they also have a small fiction line of books.
Founder Dave Borgenicht started the company with a fresh, nontraditional approach to publishing. He grew up creating rudimentary computer games and became a writer in college.
He has a multistory office in Philadelphia’s Old City. In his office, he has large posters for some of the company’s biggest hits and taped up pieces of fan mail.
He has an extensive library of Quirk titles and a manila folder labeled “Unicorns” that holds random ideas for new books. He writes most of his books himself, and he often cranks them out at night or on weekends when he has a great idea but can’t find a writer to write it for him.