Codex Seraphinianus

Codex Seraphinianus

In 1978 an Italian artist by the name of Luigi Serafini wrote and illustrated a beautifully detailed encyclopedia of a surreal world that he created. Throughout the book there are numerous illustrated references to the real world we live in, but with whimsical variations on things that make it unlike anything we have seen. From flowers that bleed, insects that double as keys to unknown doors, and fish that grow hair-nothing is what it seems. Though the book is written in an unknown and possibly indecipherable language, it has enchanted countless viewers and is quite valuable to those who know of it. The artist himself said that he wrote the book in his own carefully crafted language intentionally. Luigi wanted to give the feel of a child studying a book they cannot read, despite the knowledge that adults can understand the words on the page.

Linked above is an online copy of the codex in almost it's entirety. A physical copy of the book itself is quite expensive, but I recommend you check it out if you get the chance, even if it's only through the above link. The creativity of Luigi and his imaginary world has inspired multiple reprints, and leaves its viewers questioning reality and trying to make sense of everything presented.