Review of The Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were

"There is a world just around the corner of your mind, where reality is an intruder and dreams come true..."

-The Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were

The EoTTNW is not a book of game mechanics. Nor does it detail any newly created fantasy world. Nor does it expand existing worlds such as the Forgotten Realms or Shadow Run. Yet, it is a beautiful book that -- if used properly -- could well be an invaluable addition to any gamer's library.

"...you may escape into it at will. You need no secret password, no magic wand or Aladdin's Lamp; only your imagination and curiosity..."

-The Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were.

Page's and Ingpen's EoTTNW is better than most mythology encyclopedias because -- in part -- it does not limit itself to mythology. It also touched upon Celtic legends of Cu Chulainn, British legends of Camelot to stories of King Solomon's Mines, Gulliver's Travels and more. In short, it draws from a variety of source materials.

Divided into six principle sections, the chapters of the book are; Of the Cosmos; Of the Ground and Underground; of Wonderland; Of Magic, Science and Invention; Of Water, Sky and Air; and Of the Night. Individual entries in each section are loosely linked by theme -- gods and such on the Cosmos section, Dwarfs and such in the Underground section (sorry – no drow) and so forth.

Ingpen rendered the lavish illustrations. Page wrote the often-witty text.

All the illustrations are eye catching, some naturally more so than others. Some that truly are stand out include the kitten on page 57, Goblins on page 66 (with the goblins using another goblin as a wheelbarrow to move a bolder) the Sphinx on page 79, Atlantis on page 93 and Camelot on page 100.

The text is clear, easy to understand, emotionally evocative and often funny. In the section on Utopia, Utopia is compared to Australia – both lands are shaped the same and in both lands married couples typically have seen each other naked before marrage, however in Australia (as compared to Utopia) this is normally without a chaperone. The entry on Camelot is sad and wishful, while the entry of Dracula is brooding and tinged with menace.

"...about things that never were."

-The Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were.

Most of the entries are drawn for source material, or as close as one can get. It is interesting to note that TSR – probably inspired by Tolkeen – verged very far from the original legends with many "monster" races. In the original legend kobolds are helpful household fairies while Centaurs have a pronounced nasty streak. In more than a few ways the original legends seem preferable – if only as a refreshing change of pace. It is ironic that this newness actually comes from the oldest of stories.

"...it is in the electricity of imagination from which all knowledge springs."

-The Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were.

The only real complaint is the layout. It is sometimes hard to know which section to look to find certain characters or places. Sometime they appear in a section that makes little sense – for example King Arthur is listed in the "Things of the Cosmos" section, which other wise described gods and places where gods dwell. Knights are also in this section.

Despite this flaw, the book is still a good investment. Published in hard-back form in 1985, EoTTNW might be difficult to find anywhere out side of a used bookstore or on the Internet. However, it is wonderful book so snatch an available copy.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)