Simon Whistler is a British YouTuber, podcaster, and educational creator known for exploring fascinating stories, ideas, and achievements from across history and culture.
Through channels like Megaprojects, Today I Found Out, and Brain Blaze, he reaches millions with in-depth research, sharp storytelling, and an endless curiosity about the world around us.
When Simon discovered The Black Book, its exploration of the darker, stranger, and often overlooked sides of human history immediately caught his attention. It’s the kind of curiosity-driven journey that fits naturally with the stories he loves to uncover — and one he wanted to share with his audience.
Fact-checked by engineers
Hand-drawn illustrations
Co-authored with Pulitzer-nominated author
(4.76)
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The Black Book
The Ultimate Guide to Alternative Inventions Select edition
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A hand-illustrated book, co-created with Noah Charney, dedicated to inventions that never became part of everyday life. Some arrived before the world was ready for them, and others simply lacked the context, support, or funding needed to succeed.
Rather than viewing these ideas as failures, the book reconsiders them as fully realized alternative paths of human ingenuity. Through original illustrations and carefully researched stories, it brings forgotten concepts back into focus, showing the creativity, ambition, and vision behind each one.
Are the inventions real?
Yes. Every invention featured in the book is based on a real concept, patent, prototype, or historical project. The illustrations reinterpret these ideas while remaining grounded in their historical context.
Is the book suitable as a gift?
Yes. Its combination of original artwork and unusual subject matter makes it a distinctive gift for readers, designers, inventors, and history enthusiasts.
Where can I track my delivery?
You can track your delivery progress using the tracking page on our website. Input your tracking code to access the information.
What are the dimensions?
Weight: 4.41lb / 2.00 kg
Size: 9.0 x 2.0 x 13.4 in / 23 x 4.9 x 34 cm
What is the ISBN?
979-8-999-34034-4
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107
reviews
Fact-checked by engineers
Hand-drawn illustrations
Co-authored with Pulitzer-nominated author
A Book of
Ideas Ahead of Their Time
The Black Book is a hand-illustrated book, co-created with Noah Charney, dedicated to inventions that never became part of everyday life. Some came too early; others lacked the funding, support, or circumstances to go further. Through detailed illustrations and carefully researched stories, it explores what these ideas were, why they disappeared, and the people who imagined them.
