SOLVED. Non-fiction, large paperback compendium of entries on odd topics with company/org phone/address details to get further info about "everything". [s]

[Ulm]

I read this as a child in the 80s but I got it at a thrift store so I am not sure if it was an 80s book. It was non-fiction, paperback, had cartoony illustrations throughout, and was a sort of giant compendium of odd or uncommon things. Each entry had contact details to call or mail-in to various places or organizations for more information. Some entries also included instructions to make something or brainteasers to try. As a 6 year old, I thought it was encyclopedic and held resources about everything in the universe.

[Tab]

Can you describe what sorts of odd and uncommon things were in the book? Did each entry give a description of whatever the thing was?
Was this part of a series?
Anything about the cover?

[Ulm]

Tab wrote: "Can you describe what sorts of odd and uncommon things were in the book? Did each entry give a description of whatever the thing was?
Was this part of a series?
Anything about the cover?"

It was a large scale book. The cover had the 'obnoxious' title in large font -- something like the Big Giant Encyclopedia of Unusual Things -- this is not it, but it was something extreme I think. But it was mainly covered with these late 70s/mid 80s illustrations -- kind of ugly looking characters with exaggerated features . I think it could have been updated and released every few years perhaps? Each entry did have a description of a new 'thing' and then the contact details for various groups to mail or call. The things included topics like bee collecting, how to make a fabulous paper-plane, and just other oddities. I honestly, don't recall much more unfortunately.

[Genesistrine]

High Weirdness by Mail?

(High Weirdness by Mail: A Directory of the Fringe-Mad Prophets, Crackpots, Kooks & True Visionaries)

[Ulm]

Genesistrine wrote: "High Weirdness by Mail?

(High Weirdness by Mail: A Directory of the Fringe-Mad Prophets, Crackpots, Kooks & True Visionaries)"

That looks amazing! But no, I didn't learn about the subgenius until I was 12 :-)

The book I'm thinking of definitely felt a bit more family friendly, but I will check this one out!

[Ulm]

I think my childhood memories may have confused two books, and the illustrations and cover were actually not cartoony. I am not sure [I have ordered a copy to find out], but I think it may have been https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2.... I could only find one image of an internal page. From that I can say the cover seems wrong, but the layout and the contact info part and the types of topics, all match up with my memory. I will 'close' this if I can find another internal page, or as soon as my order arrives, and thus can confirm.

[Ulm]

SOLVED
Correct Book: The Essential Whole Earth Catalog / The Next Whole Earth Catalog

The books have arrived and I can confirm.
I searched with more of the words from the description of the High Weirdness by Mail -- trying to see if it was correct, and low and behold, the Whole Earth Catalog was listed on a page with it!
Thank you!

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Ulm. Here's the link - Essential Whole Earth Catalog by Stewart Brand.