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About the Author

John Koenig created The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows in 2009. What started as a blog grew into a YouTube series and, in 2021, a book. He's a writer and designer whose work spans graphic design, creative writing, and voice acting. Born in Idaho and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, he now lives in Minneapolis with his wife and daughter.

"It’s undeniably thrilling to find words for our strangest feelings…Koenig casts light into lonely corners of human experience…An enchanting book."

—The Washington Post

Los Vidados

Cover image for the Los Vidados word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Mornden

Cover image for the Mornden word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Boorance

a group of objects on a table

Catoptric Tristesse

Cover image for the Catoptric Tristesse word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Aimonomia

close-up of a plant with lights glowing in background

Ludiosis

Cover image for the Ludiosis word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

A book that poetically defines emotions that we all feel but haven't had the words to express—until now.

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