Edward Gorey Books

Collection of illustrations from Gorey's famous books and lesser-known ephemera.

An alphabet illustrated with Edward Gorey's inimitable sense of the weird and the macabre.

Being a tale--perhaps an allegory--of deceptive simplicity, with universal meaning for all civilized men and women, Gorey's "The Doubtful Guest" is republished here in a deluxe hardcover edition at an eerily low price.

The title of this deliciously creepy collection of Gorey's work stems from the word amphigory, meaning a nonsense verse or composition. As always, Gorey's painstakingly cross-hatched pen and ink drawings are perfectly suited to his oddball verse and prose. The first book of 15, "The Unstrung Harp," describes the writing process of novelist Mr. Clavius Frederick Earbrass: "He must be mad to go on enduring the unexquisite agony of writing when it all turns out drivel." In "The Listing Attic," you'll find a set of quirky limericks such as "A certain young man, it was noted, / Went about in the heat thickly coated; / He said, 'You may scoff, / But I shan't take it off; / Underneath I am horribly bloated.' "Many of Gorey's tales involve untimely deaths and dreadful mishaps, but much like tragic Irish ballads with their perky rhythms and melodies, they come off as strangely lighthearted. "The Gashlycrumb Tinies," for example, begins like this: "A is for AMY who fell down the stairs, B is for BASIL assaulted by bears," and so on. An eccentric, funny book for either the uninitiated or diehard Gorey fans.Contains: The Unstrung Harp, The Listing Attic, The Doubtful Guest, The Object Lesson, The Bug Book, The Fatal Lozenge, The Hapless Child, The Curious Sofa, The Willowdale Handcar, The Gashlycrumb Tinies, The Insect God, The West Wing, The Wuggly Ump, The Sinking Spell, and The Remembered Visit.

The narrative features a whimsical and adventurous journey, showcasing Edward Gorey's signature charm and sophistication. Celebrated for its stylish and inventive storytelling, this burlesque tale captivates with its unique blend of humor and creativity. The special gift edition enhances its appeal, making it a perfect choice for fans of Gorey's distinctive artistic voice.

Another Goery masterpiece unfolds in this dark tale of surreal morality. Illustrations.

A happy, naive family enters the Evil Garden (free admission!) to spend a sunny afternoon in its inviting landscape, lush with exotic trees and flowers. They soon realize their mistake, as harrowing sounds and evidence of foul play emerge. When humongous hairy bugs, famished carnivorous plants, ferocious fruit-guarding bears, and a sinister strangling snake take charge, the family's ominous feelings turn to full-on panic but where's the exit? Edward Gorey leads us through this nefarious garden with a light step. His unmistakable drawings paired with engaging couplets produce giggles, not gasps. Perhaps "The Evil Garden" is a morality tale; perhaps it's simply an enigmatic entertainment. Whatever the interpretation, it's a prime example of the iconic storytelling genius that is Edward Gorey.

On a long trip abroad, Gorey's young Drusilla is introduced to high art and gourmet meals. She gamely tries to appreciate the museums, rich food, and architectural wonders that delight her parents, only to find herself drifting along in a puzzling world. But then Miss Skrim-Pshaw takes her for tea with Mr Crague, a sockless, elderly man with a notable past, and their brief encounter is what will haunt Drusilla years later. Her casual promise to the old man has led to sudden recollection, then sad regret. curious coming-of-age tale, Edward Gorey employs his signature dark humor and exquisite illustrations to deftly portray the precociousness of a child on the brink of adulthood. One of the most enigmatic of Gorey's many books, The Remembered Visit has been a favorite of Gorey fans, young and old, since its original release in 1965.

Edward Gorey's first miniature book, The Eclectic Abecedarium is an illustrated adventure through the English alphabet, accompanied by rhyming couplets penned by Gorey, who described his creations as "literary nonsense." Inspired by popular moral primers for children, Gorey created an updated version of Isaac Watts's alphabetic aphorisms. Part sweet songs of unseen birds and part cautionary tales, this abecedarium fully lives up to the epithet "eclectic."

"A collection of twenty illustrations by artist Edward Gorey"--

The Unstrung Harp is a look at the literary life and its "attendant woes: isolation, writer's block, professional jealousy, and plain boredom." But, as with all of Edward Gorey's books, TUH is also about life in general, with its anguish, turnips, conjunctions, illness, defeat, string, parties, no parties, urns, desuetude, disaffection, claws, loss, trebizond, napkins, shame, stones, distance, fever, antipodes, mush, glaciers, incoherence, labels, miasma, amputation, tides, deceit, mourning, elsewards.Finally, TUH is about Edward Gorey the writer, about Edward Gorey writing The Unstrung Harp. It's a small masterpiece.

Drawings (including thirty-two pages in color), captions, and verse showcasing Gorey's unique talents and humor. "The Glorious Nosebleed," "The Utter Zoo," "The Epiplectic Bicycle," and fourteen other selections.

The short, tragic life of Charlotte Sophia is told in this satire of sentimental Victorian orphan tales.

One of Mr. Gorey's wordless masterworks. --New York Times

Three mysterious figures set out from Willowdale, travelling by handcar. On the way to nowhere in particular they pass a number of odd characters and observe a series of baffling phenomena, from a house burning down in a field to a palatial mansion perched precariously on a bluff.

Culled from dozens of interviews, this unique autobiography of the famous artist showcases Gorey's ideas about French symbolist poetry, soap operas, George Balanchine, ballet, and Victorian snuff photography, among other topics. 50,000 first printing.

Donald encounters a difficulty when a splinter enters the calf of his leg.

JOhnny Dixon doesn't believe that the ghost of mad Father Baart haunts the town church. But then he takes an old scroll and a seemingly harmless figurine from the church basement, accepts a magic ring from a mysterious stranger--and is plunged into a terrifying adventure that may cost him his life.

A humorous exploration of one of the most absurd hairstyles in history.

The narrative unfolds in a mysterious setting where a skating pond hides a family of enormous eels, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and foreboding. As daylight wanes, darkness and dismay envelop the scene. This work can be interpreted as Edward Gorey's unique take on a winter afternoon reminiscent of the themes and tones found in classic nineteenth-century Russian literature. The blend of whimsy and melancholy invites readers to explore deeper meanings within its enigmatic landscape.

Drawings show an alphabet of young victims and how they died.

The book explores the extraordinary friendship between Edward Gorey and Peter Neumeyer, beginning with a humorous first encounter in 1968. Their correspondence, filled with intellectual discourse and artistic collaboration, reveals the depth of their bond. Gorey's letters showcase his gentleness and distinctive humor, countering the common perception of him as macabre. Neumeyer’s thoughtful responses reflect his compassion and intellect, making their exchanges a celebration of creativity. This collection not only highlights their artistic synergy but also offers an intimate glimpse into their lives and thoughts.

Featuring a curated collection of spine-chilling tales, this anthology showcases the works of renowned authors such as Charles Dickens and M. R. James, known for their mastery in the supernatural genre. Each story is complemented by Edward Gorey's distinctive illustrations, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of ghostly encounters and unsettling events. This selection celebrates the art of horror storytelling, making it a captivating read for fans of the macabre.

Miss Hyacinthe Phypps presents a cheeky guide to post-deflowerment decorum.

First published in 1939, T.S. Eliot's collection of cat poems, written originally to amuse his godchildren and friends, has become one of the all-time favourites of children's literature.

Featuring a whimsical and darkly humorous twist, this retelling of a classic tale showcases Gorey's unique artistic style and wit. Readers will encounter familiar characters in an unexpected light, blending the essence of Dickens's story with Gorey's signature peculiarities. The narrative promises a delightful mix of charm and absurdity, making it an irresistible addition to the holiday season.

The inhabitants of the ever-so-popular Haunted-Tea Cosy return in a new holiday tale. As we wander off with Edward Gorey into the new millenium our reasons for being here are far from clear. Nevertheless, here is the master craftsman at his best!

Miss D. Awdrey-Gore, renowned 97-year-old writer of detective stories, is found murdered; then a mysterious hidden packet is discovered. Addressed to her publisher, it contains what appear to be notes and drawings related to a literary work in progress. The contents "in their entirety--though certain things are patently missing" comprise clues about the who, what, when, where and how of Awdrey-Gore's demise. Or do they? Edward Gorey takes us on a rollicking ride in this merry murder mystery, but whether or not the killer is revealed is open to speculation. As one scrap of paper in the packet states, "The smallest clue may be (or not) / The one to give away the plot."

The Quingawaga and Mork, Fidknop and Ampoo are among the fantastical imaginings of Edward Gorey's Utter Zoo Alphabet. The twenty-six postcards (one for each letter of the alphabet) feature Gorey's illustrations of unusual and biologically questionable creatures, each one described by a typically witty Gorey couplet.

The naming of dogs can be a tricky business, as Ogdon and his big brother discover in this charming collaboration between Rhoda Levine and Edward Gorey. You see, before Ogdon and his family moved to a new house, no one mentioned the big shaggy sheep dog in the back yard, but there he was, just sitting and waiting, imperturbable as can be. Waiting for what? Ogdon wonders. Dinner? A lollipop? A stray cat? Someone to talk to? No, what the dog wants is a name. And not just any name, but the right name. And with a little patience, and a lot of persistence, Ogdon and his brother will figure it out.

Ein großer Hund im Garten scheint etwas zu wollen, aber der vierjährige Ogden kann nicht herausfinden, was es ist.

Von Ampu und Boggerslosch bis Yaffel und Zot listet dieses zoologische Alphabet außergewöhnlichen Getiers sämtliche Geschöpfe auf, die aus dem einen oder anderen Grund nur selten in normalen Tierschauen und -heimen zu finden sind. Damit bietet der berühmte Zeichner Edward Gorey den jungen und alten Freunden unserer irdischen Fauna einen einzigartigen Blick in eine Welt der besonderen, der gänzlich anderen Art. Ins Deutsche hinübergedichtet hat dieses ABC der Schriftsteller und große Gorey-Kenner Clemens J. Setz.

Having read and dreamed too many fairy tales, the grocer sets off to live one, but finds the world not at all conducive to his fantasies.

Embley und Yewbert sind zwei sehr aufgeweckte Kinder (früher wären sie als "Rabauken" bezeichnet worden). Als ihnen ein geheimnisvolles Fahrrad in die Hände fällt, beginnt eine Reise, die höchst merkwürdig verläuft und endet. Die Warnungen eines Vogels, das Verschwinden gelber Schuhe, der Kampf mit einem Alligator und viele weitere Ereignisse werfen Fragen auf, deren Antworten Embley und ­Yewbert nicht kennen (so wie wir auch nicht). Ihre Geschichte ist ein weiteres Kunststück von Edward Gorey in neuer Übersetzung. Für alle Kinder von 6 bis 180.

R(onald) F(rederic) Melf ist einer der bedeutendsten Romanciers seiner Zeit. Im späten Herbst – genauer gesagt: am achtzehnten November jedes zweiten Jahres – beginnt Melf mit einem neuen Roman. Edward Gorey beschreibt und zeichnet in ›Eine Harfe ohne Saiten‹ die Mühsal des schöpferischen Prozesses und die Qualen, die ein Autor erleiden muss, bis aus einem Titel, für den noch kein Stoff existiert, ein Manuskript wird und sogar ein fertiges Buch; er erzählt von den Schwierigkeiten im Umgang mit solch weltlichen Institutionen wie Verlag und Buchhandel, von den postnatalen Depressionen ganz zu schweigen. ›Eine Harfe ohne Saiten‹ ist eine Art frühe Graphic Novel über einen Novellisten.

Auch mit diesem Werk zeigt Edward Gorey sich wieder als Meister der absurd-bösen Bildergeschichte in seiner ganz eigenen viktorianisch schlichten Manier: Weil der Schnee so dicht fällt, daß nicht eingekauft werden kann, muß Jane auf das zurückgreifen, was sich noch in der Küche finden läßt. Eine helle Soße soll zur Verfeinerung des wenigen beitragen, allerdings ist diese dann nicht so leicht zu jedermanns Zufriedenheit in der richtigen Konsistenz herzustellen. Und natürlich rechnet bei so etwas niemand mit einem tödlichen Ausgang. Schon gar nicht zu Weihnachten.

A retelling of the folk tale about a little girl who finds a wolf in her grandmother's clothing.

Ein faszinierendes, düsteres Werk mit skurrilen Bildern und Geschichten, das Liebhaber schwarzen Humors anspricht. Es umfasst elf bizarre Geschichten wie "Die Harfe ohne Saiten" und "Das unglückselige Kind", die groteske Darstellungen bieten.

"If you want to pretend you're shrinking, that's all right," said Treehorn's mother, "as long as you don't do it at the table." No one around seems to appreciate what Treehorn's going through, when he starts shrinking after playing a strange board game. His parents are busy, his friends laugh at him, and he even gets sent to the Principal's office for shrinking. Or was it shirking? Clearly, the adults in his life have no clue and can't help. In the end, Treehorn figures it out on his own, and all is well. . . . At least until he turns green. This oddly offbeat, surreal, and funny story is illustrated with Edward Gorey's signature pen and ink drawings. It will appeal to any kid who feels they're not truly seen or heard by the grown-ups in their life. Works for adults, too. This 50th Anniversary edition includes an appreciation from Caldecott Honoree Lane Smith, illustrator of The Stinky Cheese Man. An ALA Notable Children's Book A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year

When Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan, comes to stay with his uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person. But he is wrong. Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbour, Mrs Zimmermann, are both witches! Lewis couldn't be happier. What's not to like about seeing his uncle practise spells and eating Mrs Zimmermann's delicious cookies? At first, watching magic is enough. Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house: a woman named Selenna Izard. It seems that evil Selenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls, a clock that could obliterate humankind. As the clock can be heard ticking away in the house all the time, sometimes louder, sometimes quieter, sometimes faster, sometimes slower, it is up to the Barnavelts to find where it is hidden in the walls and stop it. A true race against time

Ein cleveres Buch, das Katzen und Zahlen integriert.

Ein Mann und sein Vogel. Eine der großen Freundschaften in der Geschichte der Zeichenkunst. Erzählt von Edward Gorey, übersetzt von Clemens J. Setz

Für alle, die fasziniert vom Fliegen sind und ein tieferes Verständnis dafür entwickeln wollen, wie Vögel und Modellflugzeuge ihre Kreise in der Luft ziehen. Anschaulich und unterhaltsam führt der Autor in die komplexen Sachverhalte von Wirbel, Zirkulation und Auftrieb ein. Verständlich und begreifbar durch zahlreiche Diagramme und Videos. Es gelingt dem Autor die dem dynamischen Auftrieb zugrunde liegenden Gesetzmäßigkeiten besonders anschaulich darzustellen.

Dem armen Kind Charlotte Sophia, zart, unschuldig und aus gutem Hause, spielt das Schicksal übel mit. Szene für Szene gerät ihr junges Leben an immer fiesere Menschen und in immer tiefere Abgründe. Alle treten das unglückliche Mädchen mit Füßen oder nutzen es schamlos aus. Ein tragisches Dasein mit einem leider noch tragischeren Ende, inspiriert von einem Filmklassiker von 1913 und gezeichnet vom Meister der schönst verschrobenen Bilderwelten. Nicht umsonst gehört Das unglückselige Kind zu den vielbesprochenen Hauptwerken Edward Goreys. Jetzt ist es in der Neuübersetzung von Clemens J. Setz wiederzuentdecken.

Available for the first time in one volume, this trilogy contains three complete, entertaining adventures of the lovable child Treehorn: The Shrinking of Treehorn, Treehorn's Treasure, and Treehorn's Wish.

Vegetarischen Menschen zur Warnung, Fleischabhängigen zum Trost: Auch Gemüse kann gefährlich sein! Eine elegante Frau. Eine anziehende Pflanze. Eine bittere Lehre. Edward Goreys fein gezeichnete Rübenfabel in der ersten deutschen Übersetzung von Büchnerpreisträger Clemens J. Setz. Filda ist eine alleinstehende Dame in einer großen Stadt irgendwann zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts. Sie kocht gern, und ihr täglicher Spaziergang ist ihr wichtig. Auf einem dieser Gänge stößt sie auf ein auffälliges Pflänzchen, das ungewöhnlich schnell wächst und sie magisch anzieht. Was hat sie da entdeckt? Vielleicht ein besonders schmackhaftes Gemüse? Filda wird es bald erfahren.

Dílo Edwarda Goreye je vskutku bizarní a vzpírá se zařazení. Na komiks pracuje málo s obrazem, na literaturu zase příliš málo s textem. Podobně kolísají i nálady. Jeho příběhy plné absurdity jsou někdy lehce morbidní, aby vzápětí skočily do úsměvné roviny. Goreyův humor však postrádá radikální ironii, naopak, pod slupkou absurdnosti se skrývá humor dandyovsky blazeovaný - nechybí mu osten, ale ani elegance. Téměř všudypřítomná je nedořečenost - příběhům někdy chybí začátek, scény na sebe navazují dle surrealistických asociací, jejichž význam je často nepochopitelný, vyústění děje také není podmínkou. Díky tomu všemu je Goreyovo dílo velmi bohaté a čtenář musí být neustále ve střehu.

Čtvrtý výběr z Goreyovy rozsáhlé a rozmanité tvorby je opět pečlivě sestaven tak, aby bylo zastoupeno co nejvíce jejích forem: nezbytná goreyovská abeceda, bezeslovný komiks, veršovaný morytát, kafkovské nevysvětlitelno i prozaický mikropříběh se šťastným koncem. Autorova záliba v morbidních situacích a nejrůznějších deviacích v dnešní době sice možná ztratila svou provokativnost, o to víc však okouzlí detailní zpracování, rafinovanost a skutečně jemná ironie. Pětice půvabných dílek, v nichž text ilustruje ilustrace a ne naopak, opět potěší milovníky dekadence, estéty a obdivovatele delikátních výtvorů. A jistě na háček svého surrealistického vtipu chytí i vás…

Jádrem třetího výběru z rozmanité tvorby Edwarda Goreye je jedinečný a pro autora poněkud nezvykle "mnohomluvný" soubor mravokárných ponaučení Čerstvě deflorovaná dívka, aneb co říci vhodného v prekérních situacích. Je doplněn dvěma klasickými "mikropříběhy" - Nebohé dítě a Velkolepé krvácení z nosu. Ve všech těchto delikátních dílech autor dovedl k dokonalosti složku obrazovou i jazykovou, přičemž u obou tkví základní napětí mezi artistní, vysoce estetizovanou formou a obskurním, dryáčnickým obsahem s všudypřítomnou ironií a sebeironií. Lahůdka pro milovníky dekadentní zábavy i pro decentní čtenáře s vybraným vkusem. //Zdroj Dokořán//

Lewis ist sich sicher, dass objevený šťastný peníz dědečka Barnavelta z roku 1859 kouzelný je, a rozhodne se to vyzkoušet - odříká jedno z kouzel paní Zimmermannové, aby probudil jeho magii. Jenže to není dobrá magie. Zatímco minci nosí zavěšenou kolem krku, začínají se dít zlověstné věci. Lewisovi o půlnoci chodí podivné dopisy, po městě ho sleduje temný stín a něco v jeho těle, jako by kontrolovalo každý jeho krok. Postava ve stínech se objevuje čím dál tím častěji; nakonec Lewise zcela ovládne, a ten se není schopen osvobodit. Probudil snad sílu, kterou nedokáže zvládnout? Stihnou strýček Jonathan, paní Zimmermannová a Rose Rita Lewise zachránit?