Codex Seriphinianus: The Strangest book in the World?
October 17th, 2011
The Codex Seriphinianus has been called the strangest book in the world. It is by Luigi Serafini, and was originally published in 1981 by Franco Maria Ricci, who has dedicated himself to publishing unique, limited edition books by independent artists. Luigi Serafini is an Italian architect and graphic designer. Born in Rome in 1949, he has created scenery, lighting, and set designs, illustrated books, sculptures, and taught graphic design.
Codex Seraphinianus, page 114
The book itself is an encyclopedia of an unknown world. It is written, presumably, in the language of that world, which looks completely alien, yet somewhat familiar. You get the feeling it that if you just looked a little differently, you might decipher some meaning. The illustrations are even more perplexing, filled with familiar elements, but arranged in unfamiliar ways.
The book is arranged into chapters, each dealing with a different element of this very strange world. Some of these include flora and fauna, which have characteristics we know, but they behave in ways we have never seen. The science is explained by truly alien math. The machines seem to have functions outside our ability to guess. Apparently, your sink can fill up quickly with fish. The clothes are very interesting, some more like armor. There is a very interesting deck of cards. My favorite section is the architecture. Parts of this world appear very watery.
Codex Seraphinianus, page 313
If you Google the Codex Seraphinianus, you will find that it is a highly discussed publication. There is a lot of speculation on what it means. Several sites talk about translating the book, referring to subtle and not so subtle keys to the meaning in the book. Serafini, speaking bfore the Oxford University Society of Bibliophiles on May 12, 2009, stated that there is no meaning behind the script he used, that his writing was asemic, which means the writing has no specific semantic content. The interpretation is entirely up to the reader. You can come in to the library to see the book or view it completely on line. There are several sites that host it, here is one: CodexSeraphinianus
Codex Seraphinianus, page 347
If you want to read a little more about the book or perhaps, purchase your own copy, there is a great article with images and a short video at the Abe Books site.