
The Witch's Door
Oddities and Tales from the Esoteric to the Extreme
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Narrated by:
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Ryan Matthew Cohn
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Regina M. Rossi
About this listen
A taxidermied monkey named Mr. Peepers. A rare collection of anatomical wax figures for sale in Munich. A Tibetan Kapala skull decorated with bits of coral. Two Charlie McCarthy dolls that may (or may not) be haunted. The incredible memento mori collection of Richard Harris. An actual witch's door. That's all just for starters.
Welcome to a world of oddities curated by Regina and Ryan Cohn, trendsetters and tastemakers who have reinvented what the artifact collectors market looks like. Together, they are the founders of Oddities Flea Market, artfully curating a selection of the best artists and collectors at several events across the US throughout the year, with an eye towards expanding globally. In The Witch's Door, Ryan, who starred in the reality television show Oddities, and Regina, who comes from the world of fashion, give us a rare peek behind the curtain into the business of collecting the strange and unusual and the cast of eccentric characters they meet along the way.
Ryan and Regina take listeners all over the world, from Brooklyn to Bavaria, giving them the inside scoop on how they purchase artifacts to sell and those they want to keep. Perfect for fans of Oddities, Atlas Obscura, and Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities, this collectible book is a must-listen for those happily inclined toward the dark side.
©2024 Ryan Matthew Cohn and Regina Marie Rossi (P)2024 TantorWhat listeners say about The Witch's Door
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- Anna
- 03-19-25
Incredible.
What an incredible read!
I have a degree in Anthropology, and during my studies, I always loved learning about items that were unique to cultures, the rituals surrounding them, and how those items told a family history. I believe that’s why I love this book so much- I learned about so many different types of oddities, their proper names, how to look for them, what to avoid, and how close knit connections with other collectors can honour those that have passed, through their collections they left behind.
This is a part autobiography, part How-To book… which I enjoyed very much. I like how each chapter was divided, and the corresponding stories in each section. The photos that are included are beautifully printed, but part of me wishes there was an accompanying coffee table book, mainly because I wanted to see photos of every piece that was mentioned.
This should be one of the first texts you read if you’re about to venture into oddities collecting. I am not a collector… yet. My budget does not allow for space to start a collection, but I do enjoy visiting oddities shops, museums, attending the flea markets, and of course, reading about the collections of others. This book taught me so much- about artists I’d never heard of, how to make sure the shrunken head you’ve got your eye on isn’t a fake, and how there is a true passion for collecting.
Mr. Cohn references how he loved skulls and the like as a child, and how that fascination never went away as he grew older. Reading about that made me so happy, because I myself have always loved oddities, even when I didn’t know it had a name. I didn’t know there were others out there who loved skulls and those items that may be odd. Being called “odd” and “weird” were a daily routine for me as a kid. Really appreciated the history of his personal life he brought to the text. It reminds me of the time I found the skeletal remains of a rat under my grandmothers mobile home and I thought it would be the perfect item to bring to school to show-n-tell. My dad even helped me gently scoop it up and put it in an empty shoe box so as not to separate any of its bones.
Ms. Rossi tells the lovely story of her meet-cute with Mr. Cohn and how she’s found high-fashion shares a connection with oddities items- that’s what I surmised anyway- they are works of art. It’s a perfect blend, and hearing (audiobook) their stories made this a very personal book, as well as a teaching one in regards to the items one can encounter if you just take the time to give it a second look.
I read some of this book, and listened to other parts while I was on the go. Happily surprised that Mr. Cohn and Ms. Rossi were both narrators.
I reflected on my experience with my family and how some items we have can be viewed as an oddity - not only for what it may be depicting- but for the story that’s attached to it. Like those coffin keys I have in a drawer from when my father moonlighted as an undertaker. Odd? Perhaps. But each time I look at them I’m reminded on how they came to my possession and the wonderful story attached. This is what this book expresses at its core. Great people. Great collections. Even better stories.
Buy the book. You won’t regret it.
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- Andie
- 12-06-24
Story telling, voice work, went by too fast!
I came across Ryan and Regina’s work on TikTok and immediately was fascinated. I wish I’d known of them sooner! Like Regina, I was also Flight Attendant for an affinity with fashion and the odd. And like Ryan, I’m a city kid who plays in a rock band but has a love for all things historical and macabre. Super great listen! Their voices are perfect for listening as well. I love how transparent they are about their story, too. Killer writing and execution, guys. I bought the book as well. Love from Chicago!
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