In the early years of the 19th century, an armless woman called Miss Biffin was seen annually at England's Bartholomew Fair and other events. "She worked with her toes neatly at her needle, and was very ingenious in designing and cutting out patterns in paper," describe Henry Wilson and James Caulfield in The Book of Wonderful Characters, adding that she "was a person really capable of showing talent as a miniature painter, without hands or arms."

Miss Biffin is just one of more than 75 wonderful characters featured within this re-publication of the 1869 original edition. Once famous across their respective countries, or even just their local towns, these remarkable people are now brought back to life to have their stories shared again. And to stir the wonder, imagination, and fascination of the modern reader.