The Strange Case of Edward Gorey

By Alexander Theroux

Book Overview

Theroux's second monograph for Fantagraphics on the world-class cartoonist and illustrator whose wide-ranging career spand 50 years and nearly 100 books, among which are the classics The Hapless Child, and The Loathsome Couple. Drawing on exclusive interviews with Gorey over the years, Theroux explores Gorey's artistic impulses, his vast and eclectic interst in popular culture, his acerbic and eccentric opinions on films, literature, and politics, and examines the nooks and crannies of Gorey's career. A loving tribute from a lifelong admirer.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560973854
• ISBN13: 9781560973850
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Fantagraphics Books
• Length: 72 Pages
• Weight: 0.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 13 to 16 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 11

Customer Reviews

Short but sweet

Exactly what it promises... short, warm, personal, and wonderful in every way.

ANOTHER AUTUMN AFTERNOON WITH THEROUX

The novels, essays, and poems of Alexander Theroux are very, very dear to me and hold a very special place in my heart. You can imagine my genuine enthusiasm when I discovered that this most amazing artist and genius came out with a book about the enigmatic Edward Gorey, another favorite of mine. I devoured every written word in record time. The book deals with insights into character that only a friend could know. This is why the book is most extraordinary. Any PhD. could sit down and dissect the stories and illustrations of Gorey's and attempt to make sense of it all, in their own opinion without having ever met the subject, of course. Theroux is a PhD. who actually knew, befriended, respected, and was a little in awe of the subject. His personal insights delve into the oddities and eccentricities of Gorey's with a benevolent air of concern, and a touch of sadness. I now feel as though I was personally acquainted with Gorey, and was startled to find out how much I have in common with both the author and the subject. The Blondie and Dagwood series with Singleton and Lake, Wendy Hiller, Balanchine, Bankhead, Louise Brooks, the ballet, Sibelius..... I wept a bit while reading this book - feeling as though I was also born in the wrong era. How impossible to discuss the afore-mentioned topics with my contemporaries - its been quite lonely for me. How lonely for Theroux without his dear and kindred friend. This "fake Serbian princess" is certainly glad that Theroux is still around - for he is without question the greatest living writer in America today.

ANOTHER AUTUMN AFTERNOON WITH THEROUX

The novels, essays, and poems of Alexander Theroux are very, very dear to me and hold a very special place in my heart. You can imagine my genuine enthusiasm when I discovered that this most genuine artist and genius came out with a book about the enigmantic Edward Gorey, another favorite of mine. I devoured every written word in record time. The book deals with insights into character that only a friend could know. This is why the book is most extraordinary. Any PhD. could sit down and dissect the stories and illustrations of Gorey's and attempt to make sense of it all, in their own opinion without having ever met the subject, of course. Theroux is a PhD. who actually knew, befriended, respected, and was a little in awe of the subject. His personal insights delve into the oddities and eccentricities of Gorey's with a benevolent air of concern, and a touch of sadness. I now feel as though I was personally acquainted with Gorey, and was startled to find out how much I have in common with both the author and the subject. The Blondie and Dagwood series with Singleton and Lake, Wendy Hiller, Balanchine, Bankhead, Louise Brooks, the ballet, Sibelius..... I wept a bit while reading this book - feeling as though I was also born in the wrong era. How impossible to discuss the afore-mentioned topics with my contemporaries - its been quite lonely for me. How lonely for Theroux without his dear and kindred friend. This "fake Serbian princess" is certainly glad that Theroux is still around - for he is without question the greatest living writer in America today.

Tea with Gorey

Theroux's short book delves into Gorey's persona and influences and gives us a tantalizing glimpse into the world of the much missed Edward Gorey. By limiting himself to his friendship with Gorey, Theroux preserves the air of mystery surrounding the writer and artist. This volume is a welcome addition to anyone's collection of Gorey books and collectibles.

Perfect Match

Because Theroux knew Gorey personally, he wisely restricts himself to providing a colorful character portrait, rather than pointless theorizing on Gorey's art. This is a brief book, but, because of the author's lively style, and also certainly because of his unique artistic insight (Theroux and Gorey seem to be two of a kind), much deeper than a more straightforward dissertation might have been.