Another manual for preparationists in case the definitive blackout comes to us? Well, not exactly: the recently published in Spanish ‘The Book: The Definitive Guide to Rebuilding Civilization’, by the Hungry Minds collective, is much, much more than that: an illustrated encyclopedia that recounts crucial discoveries throughout our history. But it’s not just an instruction book.
What is ‘The Book’
Above all, it is an imposing tome that rejects any pretension of portability: it weighs over two kilos and its dimensions (approximately 24 x 35 centimeters) make it a museum piece rather than a table read. Comprising 410 pages and featuring over 700 original illustrations, this masterpiece is now published in Spain by Duomo Editions. The book unfolds through 23 thematic chapters, covering everything from basic survival skills, like obtaining water and lighting a fire, to more complex concepts such as navigation, aviation, cultural festivals, and even psychotherapy.
How It Was Born
In December 2020, amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, a collective of artists launched a seemingly ambitious proposal on Kickstarter: creating a visual encyclopedia to rebuild human civilization after an apocalyptic collapse. The response exceeded expectations, with over 21,000 patrons and $2.3 million raised, making it the third most successful publishing project in crowdfunding history. Since then, nearly 300,000 copies have been sold worldwide, extending far beyond its initial niche in illustrated books.
Historical Context
The question of how to reactivate civilization after a cataclysm is not new. British astrobiologist Lewis Dartnell published ‘Open in the Event of an Apocalypse’ in 2014, a manual that became a best-seller for its technical approach, explaining chemical processes and physical principles. The Long Now Foundation, led by Brian Eno, incorporated this work into its ‘Manual for Civilization’ project, aiming to promote long-term thinking.
The Unique Approach of Hungry Minds
Hungry Minds offers a radically different approach. While Dartnell provides practical instructions, the collective creates a visual artifact reminiscent of medieval codices. Their philosophical genesis occurred during the 2020 confinement, as they asked: if everything stopped, what essential knowledge should be preserved? By collaborating with crowdfunding expert Artur Stelmakh, they transformed this concern into a viable publishing project.
Who Are Hungry Minds?
Hungry Minds is a decentralized creative studio with no physical headquarters. Its members—artists, illustrators, scientists, and historians—operate from various corners of the globe. Illustrator Lev Kaplan led the artistic direction, spending months perfecting each illustration. The team included university professors as subject experts, and writers and editors ensured the accuracy of the information.
The resulting book intertwines historical references, drawing inspiration from the mysterious Voynich Manuscript while utilizing the conceptual framework from Stanisław Lem’s ‘Summa Technologiae’.
The Rise of Object Books
While the entertainment industry shifts toward digital formats, large-format illustrated books are paradoxically thriving. According to data from The Bookseller, sales of large-format artistic monographs rose by 70% in the British market, defying the sector’s general trend. Similarly, independent bookstores in the U.S. saw increased orders for travel titles by 23%, design by 20%, and art by 12%—all referring to large formats.
This trend arises from a demand that digital formats fail to meet: the tactile and visual experience of a physical book. Crowdfunding has played a vital role in democratizing editorial projects that traditional publishers might deem unviable. Notably, ‘The Book’ was initially launched via crowdfunding, enabling its expanded concept through an immersive pop-up experience in Manhattan, transforming the book into an interactive installation.
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