Monsters are hungry things. And sometimes they crave something more than raw flesh. So Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, in collaboration with Octopus Publishing, decided that the time was right for an update to its comprehensive cookbook:

‘For hundreds of years, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies has been supplying quality goods for the Living, Dead and Undead – and this, its classic recipe book, has been in use for just as long. Now, for the first time, it has been adapted for use by humans. So whether you are entertaining trolls, hosting a vampire soirée or expecting zombies round for tea, you can make delicious treats to suit every occasion. With recipes and handy hints for monster housekeeping, this classic tome is an essential addition to every home, lair, cave, swamp or fiery pit.’

I looked to the classic cookbooks of the past for design inspiration, particularly Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management. I even created a series advertisements for the front and end papers of the book, designing typographic adverts for Hoxton Street Monster Supplies products.

The book is divided into six separate chapters, including Sweets & Pastilles, Cakes & Bakes, and Potions & Poisons.

Interspersed throughout there is a selection of pages of Advice & Wisdom, including Golden Rules for Entertaining, and even advice on How to Carve a Human.

Published in the UK and the USA by Octopus, the book is written by Cara Frost-Sharratt, with a few additions by myself. The wonderful illustrations are by the fantastic Caroline Church, and they really make the book.

‘The book looks brilliant. Thanks so much for putting so much time and thought into it – we all think it’s come together really, really well!’
Joe Cottington, Octopus Publishing