Clive ThompsonNov 9, 2022

I built this tool a year ago but I feel like Mastodon folks would like it

The "Weird Old Book Finder"

Type in a search query, and it'll find one randomly-chosen public-domain book that matches the query -- and present it for immediate reading: https://www.weirdoldbookfinder.net/

Why only one book? To prevent the paradox of choice! Just *start readin'*

Can't promise every book will be weird, but most are

A longer essay on how/why I developed it: https://debugger.medium.com/a-search-engine-that-finds-you-weird-old-books-3a74fbb5f3d4

This was a search for "mastodon"

Show threadMichael Nov 9, 2022
@clive Excellent. I'm now learning HUNT TO HUNT AND FISH in a late Victorian manner.
Show threadClive Thompson

@mykd

veddy good, old chap

Nov 9, 2022 at 6:48pmWeb
Show threadMichael Nov 9, 2022

@clive I can't believe I managed to get one of the words wrong in the title there.

I was clearly too obsessed with visualising the author's recommended technique for bringing the shotgun to the shoulder.

Show threadClive ThompsonNov 9, 2022
@mykd It's pretty fascinating writing, isn't it?
Show threadMichael Nov 9, 2022
@clive Yes, the I first looked it I was all "whoa, big wall of text there, pal", but his descriptions are great; clearly written and succinct, and lots of practical tips thrown in there. Looking forward to see what others gems your WOBF sends my way!
Show threadClive ThompsonNov 9, 2022
@mykd cool cool