A Hidden Side of the Scientific RevolutionIn an age lit by fire, only the most curious and driven souls turned a flame to the unknown. From university professors to women forced to remain in shadow to heretic monks to mad wanderers, all explored realms beyond the senses. All challenged authority. The most fortunate found acclaim in the New Science, their names recorded in immortal stone. The least fortunate peered beyond the veil, discovering the dark nerve fibers that underpin this mortal coil. Their discoveries were grim, their knowledge foul, their names buried. An Age of Unspeakable DiscoveriesThe Fathomeer by J.M. ThorOscula Naturae by Josh ReynoldsThe Circulation of Blood by Jack DowdenRaise a Glass to John Dee by M.E. ProctorThe Dreaming Eye of a Dead Astronomer by Coy HallThe Devil's Blight by Jennifer OstopovichHorror Vacui by Stephanie EllisArs Logica by S.J. ShankTwo Paths, One Death by Chey Rivera
An excellent collection of tales set in a period of history that's often overlooked by creators of speculative fiction.
One of the best things about "This World of Vile Wonder" is the way it's been organized. Most of its stories are a bit of a slow burn, taking their time to establish their locations, circumstances, and historical context, while amassing a palpable sense of creeping dread that perfectly fits the overall theme of the collection. Those near the beginning are more straightforward and grounded, with things becoming more complex and "out there" as each subsequent entry unfolds. I consider this a very wise move as it provides a sense of building toward something despite each story being a standalone experience. Another element that contributes to that effect lies in recurring references to major real-world events and historical figures of the period, and themes such as the conflicts or marriages between science and religion.
I hesitate to say much more as I feel "This World of Vile Wonder" is better experienced than explained but if you are at all interested in chilling, unsettling, and thought-provoking narratives wrapped in a convincing veneer of historical and scientific authenticity, it's a read I'd absolutely recommend.