title: Tales from the Blue Ox
author:  Dan Brett 
description: Dan Brett is a writer and illustrator with a strong interest in traditional skills and self-sufficiency. Originally from the Midwest, he headed west as a young man and-after extensive traveling that included a five-year stint in Germany-settled in Northern California, where he now lives with his wife, Miriam. He was introduced to Eric Hollenbeck and the Blue Ox through a mutual blacksmithing friend, and was immediately enthralled with the spirit and vision he found there. This book is the culmination of that interest.
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  ![](images/cover.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/title.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  For Brett Wright and Michael Bourret,  
  who have been a part of this Quirky family  
  from the beginning.
  
  
  Also, for all the Quirky characters  
  in my own family, who make great  
  source material.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Table of Contents
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  * [Cover](cover.xhtml)
  
  
  * [Title Page](title.xhtml)
  
  
  * [Dedication](ded.xhtml)
  
  
  * [Contents](toc.xhtml)
  
  
  * [1: Tricks and Treats](chapter01.xhtml#ch1)
  
  
  * [2: Underwear Monster](chapter02.xhtml#ch2)
  
  
  * [3: Quirky Cork](chapter03.xhtml#ch3)
  
  
  * [4: Gramparone](chapter04.xhtml#ch4)
  
  
  * [5: Spook Style](chapter05.xhtml#ch5)
  
  
  * [6: Crazy Ed’s Creations](chapter06.xhtml#ch6)
  
  
  * [7: Family Differences](chapter07.xhtml#ch7)
  
  
  * [8: Birds for Breakfast](chapter08.xhtml#ch8)
  
  
  * [9: Stowaway](chapter09.xhtml#ch9)
  
  
  * [10: Boxes of Yuck](chapter10.xhtml#ch10)
  
  
  * [11: Hall of Freaks](chapter11.xhtml#ch11)
  
  
  * [12: Creep Closets](chapter12.xhtml#ch12)
  
  
  * [13: It’s . . . Alive?](chapter