Edward Gorey Book order

The collection features original illustrations by Edward Gorey, created for letters to a close friend, showcasing his unique artistic style. Alongside these whimsical drawings, the volume includes playful excerpts from the correspondence, offering readers a glimpse into Gorey's creative mind and personal connections. This previously unseen material highlights the charm and wit characteristic of Gorey's work, making it a delightful addition for fans and art enthusiasts alike.

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

Our story opens with a cat stuck in a tree, an ordinary-enough occurrence. Fletcher the cat, having run up the tree in a moment of thoughtless abandon, cannot get back down. Then strange things begin to happen: Fletcher finds in his tree a steamer trunk full of hats, and among the hats a papier-mâché egg that opens to reveal Zenobia, a worldly talking doll who was locked in the egg by an unfeeling child named Mabel. To cheer each other up, Fletcher and Zenobia decide to throw a party, complete with cake, peach ice cream, and punch from a silver punch bowl. The hats come in handy, and a moth, drawn to the festivities, soon becomes the vehicle of an unexpected escape plan. A story of metamorphosis and friendship, like The Owl and the Pussycat crossed with Alice in Wonderland, Fletcher and Zenobia is a wildly imaginative tale of wish fulfillment and freedom. At once silly and zany, it is not without a certain delicacy of feeling that older children, and adults, will also appreciate.

Characterized by its unique structure, this collection features Edward Gorey's "Thoughtful Alphabets," where each story contains twenty-six words, starting with A and ending with Z. Originally launched in the mid-1990s, the first six entries were hand-lettered posters, while the later editions include Gorey's own illustrations. The revival includes two limited-edition books, "The Just Dessert" and "The Deadly Blotter," showcasing his signature style and captivating narratives that blend suspense and whimsy as they follow the alphabet.

The arrival of the osbick bird transforms Emblus Fingby's life, leading to a whimsical companionship filled with card games, music, and creative pursuits. Their bond, marked by loyalty and occasional disagreements, culminates in a poignant conclusion. Edward Gorey's narrative intertwines unsettling humor with intricate illustrations, prompting readers to explore themes of friendship and the artist-muse dynamic. This brief yet impactful tale invites deep reflection, ensuring it resonates long after the final page.

Meet Donald, a little boy who has little adventures that to him are very big indeed. In Donald and the . . ., Donald finds a worm. His mother lets him keep it in a jar, but soon the worm disappears. Donald takes to bed with painful ribs. He forgets about his new pet while he recuperates, building a matchstick castle and imagining things. But when he's all better, he finds in the jar something that takes him by surprise. In Donald Has a Difficulty, when Donald hurts his leg, his mother (as wise as she is kind) knows just what to do. And Donald learns what hurts and what doesn't - and that takes him by surprise, too.

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.

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.

In this curious tale, four children, accompanied by their faithful cat, stumble around in the dark and ask, "What's going on when the lights go out?" A lot of imagination and a little bit of science (cue a flashlight and an orange) inspire a creative conclusion. To these young minds, why we have day and night is a big question that can only be answered by one (very hungry) little bug.