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The most accomplished explorer of the early twentieth century.
Read about Nooks and Crannies of New York: From the Chronicles of Baron von Shoogenheimer—a new book by cartoonist Tom Chitty.
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Nooks & Crannies of New York
“Essential reading for all urban adventurers and explorers.”
—Emma Allen, Cartoon Editor, The New Yorker
The Kickstarter fundraiser ran in April 2026, and was a great success—thank you and congratulations to everyone who helped us surpass our goal!
Watch the trailer below:
Publisher Michael Gerber and creator Tom Chitty introduce the book.
Nooks and Crannies of New York: From the Chronicles of Baron von Shoogenheimer is a new book by cartoonist Tom Chitty.
It’s assembled from the quaint observations, dire warnings, private enthusiasms, and highly selective urban knowledge of the Edwardian era’s greatest unknown traveller, Baron Eugene von Shoogenheimer.
“Baron Eugene von Schoogenheimer, history’s foremost chronicler of untold wonder and intrigue, is known to have travelled to North America around the turn of the 20th century.
“His writings suggest that he visited New York City in two spells, on either side of the Great War. There, he unearthed a world of innumerable hidden charms.”
Praise for Nooks & Crannies
“I have gleaned so much from this illustrated treasure trove of papers, which brilliantly smack of Edward Gorey and “My Father’s Dragon.” How else would I have learned of such whim-whams as the Celtic Dung Hurler, Pretzel Chubs, and the Danish Swashboy?” I’d be shreddin’ cheddar if I said this wasn’t essential reading for all urban adventurers and explorers.”
—Emma Allen, Cartoon Editor, The New Yorker
“Nooks and Crannies of New York is the most delightful, hilarious, and informative history of New York City I have ever read. I wish I could have visited the Lavender Aviary or met a Roof Mable, but thanks to Chitty's wonderful book, now I can at least read about them.”
—Roz Chast, New Yorker Cartoonist
“Finally, a fuller picture of the famed Baron von Schoogenheimer is coming into focus! If it weren’t for Tom Chitty, we may never have learned of these forgotten chapters of New York’s history. One can only imagine what he stumbled upon elsewhere.”
—Kyle Wyatt, Editor of the Literary Review of Canada
“Tom Chitty has created a funny, charming, and fascinating universe packed with beautiful full-page illustrations—each its own cabinet of Edwardian curiosities, amusements, and surprises. Truly, a splendid, generous volume that no explorer’s trophy room or adventurer’s wunderkammer should be without.”
—Paul Noth, New Yorker Cartoonist
“Baron von Schoogenheimer's discoveries have made me see my city in a whole new way—I've never been so glad to be a New Yorker. The drawings are eerily like Tom Chitty's, who is a tip top favorite cartoonist of mine—and should be yours, too.”
—Liana Finck, New Yorker Cartoonist
“It's deeply unfair that I have to live in this world instead of the beautifully illustrated, fantastical realm of the Baron. Every detail in this book made me laugh and wish it were real, which made me irrationally angry that it wasn't. Thanks Tom, I guess.”
—Ellis Rosen, New Yorker Cartoonist
“If/when we eventually destroy ourselves in an environmental cataclysm, I hope future archeologists from other star systems will find copies of Tom book buried under the rubble. I honestly feel it would make them think a little better of us.”
—Jeremy Banx, Cartoonist for the Financial Times
“Like a funnier Edward Gorey, the eccentrically talented Tom Chitty has created a volume that is, in some ways, like an exquisitely engraved glass case full of varied, gem-hued beetles. In other ways, it couldn’t be more different—which must be why I like it so much. It is without a doubt the chittyest book I’ve ever read. My one-armed gator wrangler, Keith, and I give it a hearty three thumbs up.”
—Matt Diffee (& Keith), New Yorker Cartoonist
“A wry, imaginative book with a world entirely its own, lifted at every turn by its beautifully detailed drawings.”
—Gerry Brakus, Creative Director, The New Statesman
“Compiled as a glorious gallimaufry of whispered tales, anachronistic ephemera and fabled delights, Nooks & Crannies is Tom Chitty at his whimsical best. Once I stepped into the Baron’s New York, I wanted to shut the door behind me and never leave.”
—Lars Kenseth, New Yorker Cartoonist
& Co-creator of Lemon George
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Published by The American Bystander.