Each story in the collection is centered on a person who is making his living by some novel and extraordinary means (a "queer trade", using the word "queer" in the sense of "peculiar"). To gain admittance one must have invented a unique means of earning a living and the subsequent trade being the main source of income. Contents: The Tremendous Adventures of Major Brown The Painful Fall of a Great Reputation The Awful Reason of the Vicar's Visit The Singular Speculation of the House-agent The Noticeable Conduct of Professor Chadd The Eccentric Seclusion of the Old Lady