Trash, Trolls and Treasure Hunts

by Thomas Dambo

440 pages packed with photos, stories and poems about the first 100 giant trolls!

Welcome to the unlikely story of how a dedicated dumpster diver from Denmark (that’s me) created a worldwide troll-hunting phenomenon.

I’ve spent my life going off the beaten path—literally. I was always the kid crawling into the bushes, jumping over fences, and digging through the trash. These days, I’m considered the world’s leading recycle artist, after spending the past nine years making giant troll sculptures that have drawn millions of people away from their screens and out into the incredible natural world that surrounds us.

Trash, Trolls, and Treasure Hunts is the story of my first 100 trolls. Through hundreds of photos, original poems and fairy tales, and behind-the scenes highlights, I tell how my crew and I—with the help of thousands of volunteers—scavenged over 250 tons of scrap wood to build a trolliverse spanning 17 countries (and counting!).

Trash is a treasure. By sending people on a treasure hunt to find art made of garbage, I hope to create a new appreciation for the things we throw away, and chip away at the ugly single-use mentality that floods our world with trash.

Come on in. Join my adventure.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art

440 pages, Hardcover

Reviews

[Madelyn Messick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with the Dambo Trolls, and have seen 4 in person. This book has a good balance of images, and stories with details. I learned some fascinating facts, and now want to plan my next vacation somewhere that I can see more trolls.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Dambo makes giant trolls out of recycled materials in hidden places around the world. This book covers the first 100 (actually 101) trolls. It is a fascinating look at an unusual man and the process of his art. The Pacific Northwest is now home to six trolls as of the end of 2023 (too recent for this book). They are even better in person if you can find one -- there's a world map online to help you. The book itself can be hard to find, as he insists on carbon neutral printing and only collaborates with a few local suppliers near his sculptures.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know much about the Thomas Dambo trolls until he built the "Way of the Bird King" trolls near me in the Pacific Northwest. They are impressive! This book is of his first 100 (really 101) trolls, the story behind how he got into building trolls, the stories behind the trolls, experiences of him, and his team while building. It was all fascinating. There are lots of pictures of the trolls and the building process. It is 441 pages long, but most pages are full-length pictures of the trolls. If you enjoy the trolls, are curious about the trolls and the birdhouses, want to know more, then I recommend this book.

Some of my favorite quotes:

"I guess that's also the point of my art: to get outside so you get dirty, get lost, and find the beauty in the things you see."

"I don't want to make it easy - I want it to be hard. If I wanted to make it easy, I would have made small trolls and put them in a museum. I want it to be hard, because if it's hard, it feels so much better when you've done it." (on finding his 100th troll)

There is some talk of alcohol and weed, but nothing bad. This is a wholesome, enjoyable book.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of Thomas Dambo’s first 100 Trolls. It provides a nice balance of photographs and stories about the trolls. Photos include behind the scenes images in addition to finished trolls. The wringing includes photo captions, anecdotes about the troll’s inspiration and installation, and some poems or stories about the trolls. It’s a nice mix.

While the photos and stories provide some additional depth and history to the trolls, they can never do justice to seeing a Dambo troll in person. I have visited the ones in Detroit Lakes, MN and hope to see his newest one in Wauwatosa, WI next week. If you get the chance to see one in person, take the time and maybe a little hike to find these amazing sculptures.

[Donovan Mattole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Thomas Dambo for a while and have always been impressed with him and I’ve had this amazing coffee table book for a long time and have looked through it a dozen times, but, until today I had not read it cover to cover.

Wow, reading the stories and adventures brings so much to his art. He’s such a fascinating and I love his passion for recycling and everything he does.

The book is easy to read and wasn’t watching my clock, but I’m sure it took me less than three hours to read cover to cover and I have an even deeper appreciation of him and his art.

Next up I need to start visiting these in the wild!

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first introduction to Thomas Dambo was at the Costal Maine Botanical Gardens. It was a surprise and highlight to find 5 trolls spread throughout the gardens. I didn't realize he had work all over the world. This book was informational, and I loved seeing the designs that Thomas Dambo and his team have created. This book shows his first 100 trolls. The trolls in Maine are #s 75 - 79. I would love to go and see more of his work. Wow!

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is now a memory of my first solo interrail trip that I took this year, and where I first discovered a few of Dambo’s trolls while in Denmark. I hope to see them all one day, but until then it’s nice to see them and read about them in this book. 10/10 recommend!

[Judy Hardwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a little obsessed with these trolls for a few years now* So I loved reading some of the behind the scenes stuff re: Thomas Dambo, his creative process and career!
Local friends, our Mama Zelda opens in April - and you'll become obsessed too!
*I've seen 21... and counting -

[Genia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun adventure

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring artist. I have seen 3 trolls in person and hope to see more of them.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge Thomas Dambo fan! Since I can’t travel the world to see all of these in person, this book will have to do.

I am so glad Thomas is in the world.

[Brandon Kasl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful.