Photo credit: www.publishersweekly.com
In the midst of the early Covid-19 pandemic, Seva Batichev, cofounder of the creative collective Hungry Minds alongside Timur Kadyrov, found himself inspired by the profound questions raised by the unprecedented circumstances. While exploring the deserted streets of Naoshima Island in Japan, a location renowned for its art museums, Batichev and his wife pondered important existential queries: “What if this truly marks the end of our civilization? What remnants of humanity would persist if we fail to endure?” These contemplations gave birth to The Book, an indie venture that has captivated a global audience due to its innovative approach and exquisite presentation. Batichev engaged in a conversation with BookLife to share insights into the project’s inception.
What was the creative process behind The Book?
Upon arriving at the idea of crafting a book aimed at guiding future generations in reconstructing civilization, the duo began an extensive brainstorming session. They contemplated what content the book should encompass and the methods for its creation. Lucky to find the exceptionally skilled artist Lev Kaplan, they began to define the visual identity of the project. Initially, the experience was light-hearted, with little expectation for financial success; they set a modest fundraising goal of $300,000. The essence was rooted in creating something significant during a time of turmoil rather than a pursuit of profit.
To their astonishment, the crowdfunding initiative concluded with over $3 million raised through platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo. This financial success enabled them to fully dedicate their efforts to the project, bringing in experts from various disciplines to expand their team. Over the course of the ensuing year and a half, they engaged in numerous discussions, meticulously refining both content and visual elements, ensuring every choice was deliberate and thoughtfully made.
Reflecting on the process, the special quality of The Book lies in the passion and commitment contributed by a diverse, international group. Each team member infused their enthusiasm and unique views, creating a resonance that appeals to a wide array of readers.
Is The Book meant to truly embody its subtitle—“The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding Civilization”—or is it more of a stunning artistic piece?
In discussions about the book’s purpose, the team always envisioned it as more than merely a practical guide; they aimed to create an artifact. Numerous analytical texts exist that explain various operations of the world; their intention was to offer an experience that allowed readers to engage interactively with the book, creating a sense of possessing something distinct, perhaps even enchanting.
Can you elaborate on the breathtaking illustrations? What inspirations informed their vision?
From the outset, the objective was to cultivate an aesthetic that felt both timeless and extraordinary. Much of the credit for the illustration style belongs to Lev, their art director, who adeptly achieved a striking equilibrium that is practical yet visually captivating. His technique merges the intricate detail typical of medieval engravings with contemporary styles and methodologies.
The creative journey was transformative. They identified key themes—concepts and inventions deemed crucial to the narrative of humanity—conducting thorough research and consulting subject-matter experts to guarantee accuracy. With a solid foundation established, the ideas were handed over to Lev and his team, who produced preliminary sketches that were collaboratively reviewed and refined. This meticulous process often extended over several weeks or months.
The aim was for each illustration to possess an element of vibrancy, offering layers of discovery upon recurring scrutiny. The book features numerous riddles and puzzles, inviting readers to glean new insights upon revisiting its pages. Even Batichev, as a key contributor, continues to find surprising details and jokes integrated by illustrators as they revisit the work.
Minor updates accompany each new print run. While these modifications may go unannounced, they serve to animate the book, creating a dynamic interaction with its audience. Feedback from engaged readers influences these subtle adjustments, enhancing the depth of the experience for attentive admirers.
The Book is akin to a collection of blueprints for rediscovering humanity’s greatest achievements. How did you determine what was most vital to include?
Initially, the team compiled an extensive list of ideas, documenting hundreds of inventions and concepts essential for preservation in the event of societal reconstruction. This led to the challenging task of narrowing their focus to 200 pivotal entries.
The decision-making process was fraught with difficulty; each instance of removing a concept left them pondering over its significance. Questions like “Can we afford to exclude this?” or “Is this too crucial to omit?” frequently arose, complicating their task.
Ultimately, they made decisive calls about what to feature, setting aside other noteworthy ideas. Many excluded concepts will serve as foundational elements for their forthcoming project, The Last Book, which aims to delve deeper into aspects of human culture.
Who do you identify as your target audience, and how is the book being marketed?
The intended audience encompasses those with an insatiable curiosity and a desire to experience amazement. As people age, they often lose the ability to marvel at the intricacies of the world. The creators aspire to rekindle that sense of wonder in readers.
A version of this article appeared in the 04/14/2025 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: An Indie Publishing Project Makes Waves.
Source
www.publishersweekly.com