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Available
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Publication
Publisher Unknown (1969)
Description
Originally released in paperback in 2000, The Strange Case Edward Gorey, abiography of the illustrator and children's book creator, was written byAlexander Theroux who combines artistic analysis, personal reminiscence (the twowere friends a
User reviews
LibraryThing member Ganeshaka
Alexander Theroux with his eccentricities is the perfect writer to introduce a stranger to the world of Edward Gorey. Like Theophile Gautier's haunting monograph on Gerard de Nerval, this short biograph is the fruitful insight of a friend and fellow traveler in the world of Oddness and the
Gorey, who died in 2000, at age 75, is sometimes mistaken to be a Victorian era illustrator and author, by those who have only a passing familiarity with his style - gleaned perhaps from a calendar, greeting card, or poster. His canon of work, however, primarily consists of short, grim, ironic stories which are inevitably set in eerie prosceniums with backdops of late 19th century wallpapers, impossibly high ceilings, and elaborate costumes, or if outdoors, with dark woods and hovering creatures. Usually there is some innocent at risk, and some dark twist about to transpire. Both Amphigorey and Amphigorey Too are excellent compilations of his work, and perfect to have on hand when Theroux discusses his friend's influences and style. The Gilded Bat is perhaps on of the most perfect of Gorey's stories, representing his passion for ballet, and exquisitely honed pessimism.
One of the shared interests of Theroux and Gorey and a subject of frequent conversations was each's love of cinema. The book is worth having for the list of Gorey's favorite films and his most loathed. Names like Feuillade, Fanju, and Tallulah Bankhead can lead one off on rich Wikipedian side journeys. Gorey's reading interests, such as ALL of Trollope, and Ivy Compton-Burnette and Ronald Firbank, are a similarly fascinating vein to mine.
One of Theroux's characteristic traits, familiar to anyone who has read one of his novels, is his attention to detail. Theroux has an ability to compile lists that are facile and fascinating to peruse. This serves him well in portraying the enigmatic Gorey who wrapped himself in irony as thick as his characteristic floor length fur coats. In summation, Theroux has produced a short but richly rewarding and loving sketch of a masterful artist and storyteller.
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Obscure.Gorey, who died in 2000, at age 75, is sometimes mistaken to be a Victorian era illustrator and author, by those who have only a passing familiarity with his style - gleaned perhaps from a calendar, greeting card, or poster. His canon of work, however, primarily consists of short, grim, ironic stories which are inevitably set in eerie prosceniums with backdops of late 19th century wallpapers, impossibly high ceilings, and elaborate costumes, or if outdoors, with dark woods and hovering creatures. Usually there is some innocent at risk, and some dark twist about to transpire. Both Amphigorey and Amphigorey Too are excellent compilations of his work, and perfect to have on hand when Theroux discusses his friend's influences and style. The Gilded Bat is perhaps on of the most perfect of Gorey's stories, representing his passion for ballet, and exquisitely honed pessimism.
One of the shared interests of Theroux and Gorey and a subject of frequent conversations was each's love of cinema. The book is worth having for the list of Gorey's favorite films and his most loathed. Names like Feuillade, Fanju, and Tallulah Bankhead can lead one off on rich Wikipedian side journeys. Gorey's reading interests, such as ALL of Trollope, and Ivy Compton-Burnette and Ronald Firbank, are a similarly fascinating vein to mine.
One of Theroux's characteristic traits, familiar to anyone who has read one of his novels, is his attention to detail. Theroux has an ability to compile lists that are facile and fascinating to peruse. This serves him well in portraying the enigmatic Gorey who wrapped himself in irony as thick as his characteristic floor length fur coats. In summation, Theroux has produced a short but richly rewarding and loving sketch of a masterful artist and storyteller.
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LibraryThing member abealy
Theroux's biography of the eccentric illustrator Edward Gorey, who died in 2000 at 75, provides a privileged glimpse into the life of that most mysterious of eclectic geniuses. Less a biography I suppose than a rambling appreciation, a compendium of his eccentricities, there is much here to puzzle
An extremely private man who nonetheless created a buzz wherever he appeared – dressed in full length fur coats, beringed and bedazzled attending the ballet as he did night after night. He seemed to have few friends but was well loved by those he did have, including the author. His tastes were puzzling and conflicting. His knowledge encyclopedic.
I finished this book saddened that there will not be any new Gorey books to look forward to, but encouraged that he was so prolific and his work will continue to be republished in years to come.
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the fan who only knew him from his most well known collection, Amphigorey.An extremely private man who nonetheless created a buzz wherever he appeared – dressed in full length fur coats, beringed and bedazzled attending the ballet as he did night after night. He seemed to have few friends but was well loved by those he did have, including the author. His tastes were puzzling and conflicting. His knowledge encyclopedic.
I finished this book saddened that there will not be any new Gorey books to look forward to, but encouraged that he was so prolific and his work will continue to be republished in years to come.
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LibraryThing member John_Pappas
I was always was a fan of Gorey - from my first viewing of the opening sequence of "Mystery!" to grisly and morose books that pepper my bookshelf. This book was less of a biography and more of a critique/analysis or memorial of his work, ethos and personality. It was a strange book. It rambled from
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comparison to personal reflection to memories and quips of Gorey's personal life. Odd little facets came to light throughout the book, painting a picture of a character created through years of splendid isolation, nonchalant irony and token friendships. Show Less
Awards
CLMP Firecracker Award (Nonfiction — 2001)
Other editions
The Strange Case of Edward Gorey by Alexander Theroux (Paperback)