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The World of Edward Gorey
Explores Gorey's roles as artist, illustrator, writer, and theater designer using criticism of his work and an interview with the artist.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 16, 2017
Though I've been attracted to Gorey's art for some time now, I couldn't have told you before I read this book why I was. According to the interview here, Gorey adores Dickens (especially his lesser-read works) and, according to interpretation offered in the essay, in his art he both celebrates and parodies the unrealistic, melodramatic innocence of characters like Little Nell and those of other 19th-century authors, such as Frances Hodgson Burnett's Sara Crewe and Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl. These are all characters I loved as a child, so something in his art must speak to that part of me.
Of course, Gorey's interests and influences are much more far-reaching and eclectic than merely the ones I've cited above. I didn't know much at all about the man himself before reading this, and now I do. For instance, he's designed sets (some of those marvelous illustrations are included here) and he loved Balanchine, never missing a performance during his long tenure with the NY City Ballet. Loved this quote: "(Gorey claims that his leaving New York to live permanently on Cape Cod was spurred by George Balanchine's death in 1983, a decision that has been termed an act of aestheticism worthy of Oscar Wilde.)"
On a side-note, it seems to me that Lemony Snicket had to have been greatly influenced by Gorey.
Of course, Gorey's interests and influences are much more far-reaching and eclectic than merely the ones I've cited above. I didn't know much at all about the man himself before reading this, and now I do. For instance, he's designed sets (some of those marvelous illustrations are included here) and he loved Balanchine, never missing a performance during his long tenure with the NY City Ballet. Loved this quote: "(Gorey claims that his leaving New York to live permanently on Cape Cod was spurred by George Balanchine's death in 1983, a decision that has been termed an act of aestheticism worthy of Oscar Wilde.)"
On a side-note, it seems to me that Lemony Snicket had to have been greatly influenced by Gorey.
October 9, 2022
An interesting look inside the art and inspirations of Edward Gorey, one of my favourite "creepy uncles", as I like them to call. I only wish there was some more interview material.
June 12, 2012
Non-Fiction. Edward Gorey, the man in the full length fur coat and sneakers. Before I read this, the only thing I knew about Gorey was that he wasn't, despite all appearances, British. Now I know several more things about him. For example, he loved cats and hated Manet. And never even set foot in England.
The interview was conducted by Clifford Ross in Gorey's Cape Cod home, and he and Gorey mostly talk about art and books, Gorey's influences, and the things he collects. Gorey comes off as a man who has strong feelings about art and artists ("You know, I'd like to think that it was Manet who really wrecked painting forever."). It's brief and pretty casual.
The essay by Karen Wilkin, an art critic and curator, is much longer and thoughtfully compares Gorey's work to that of his favorite authors and artists, always with a piece or two to illustrate the similarities she describes. Though Gorey drew inspiration from other artists, it was in such a way that the result was always uniquely him. Wilkin examines what it is that makes Gorey's style so arresting, noting changes to his style over his career. I love the mystery, humor, and casual menace in his art, but learning about all the sources he drew from really makes me appreciate him on an entirely different level. There's so much craft in his work, and Wilkin picks it apart without leaving it in pieces.
The book has 200 plates of Gorey's artwork, including several in full color, and an excellent index with the medium, size, and date of each piece, as well as a bibliography, and a chronology of his life.
Four stars. A wonderful resource.
The interview was conducted by Clifford Ross in Gorey's Cape Cod home, and he and Gorey mostly talk about art and books, Gorey's influences, and the things he collects. Gorey comes off as a man who has strong feelings about art and artists ("You know, I'd like to think that it was Manet who really wrecked painting forever."). It's brief and pretty casual.
The essay by Karen Wilkin, an art critic and curator, is much longer and thoughtfully compares Gorey's work to that of his favorite authors and artists, always with a piece or two to illustrate the similarities she describes. Though Gorey drew inspiration from other artists, it was in such a way that the result was always uniquely him. Wilkin examines what it is that makes Gorey's style so arresting, noting changes to his style over his career. I love the mystery, humor, and casual menace in his art, but learning about all the sources he drew from really makes me appreciate him on an entirely different level. There's so much craft in his work, and Wilkin picks it apart without leaving it in pieces.
The book has 200 plates of Gorey's artwork, including several in full color, and an excellent index with the medium, size, and date of each piece, as well as a bibliography, and a chronology of his life.
Four stars. A wonderful resource.
November 7, 2007
Let's just be honest for a moment -- is there anyone cooler than Edward Gorey?
April 25, 2022
Pulled this off the shelf after reading Elephant House. Illuminating after spending time with photos of his home and collections.
July 20, 2007
THE WORLD OF EDWARD GOREY, by Clifford Ross and Karen Wilkin, is an overview of the great artist, writer, and droll humorist. While Gorey is one of my favourite literary figures, I found this book to be of limited appeal.
The first part of the book is Ross' interview with Gorey, a rather unimpressive piece that sheds little light on Gorey's development. Ross will bring up painters or authors of the past, and Gorey will either mildly approve, or speak badly of them. Gorey doesn't really seem up to the discussion, and all in all this is a disappointment. What follows, however, is fairly enlightening: Wilkin's essay "Mr. Earbrass Jots Down a Few Visual Notes" explores the various themes of Gorey's work (such as children meeting unfortunate ends), allusions to earlier artists (such as Klee) in his work, and the way he constructs plots. This is a more substantial piece than the interview, though really it will be of interest only to those who wish to deeply explore all facets of Gorey's creations.
The second half of the book are the plates, and this is what really might attract casual lovers of Gorey's work even if they already have the "Amphigorey" collections. Here we find examples not from just his well-known books, but also drawings from unpublished ones, simple sketches of what later became mature material, and many of the book covers and theatrical designs he did for other literary works. I was quite surprised to see Gorey's book covers, since to me his style doesn't fit Muriel Spark or Gogol at all, but apparently he was quite sought after back in the day.
If you are a really intense fan of Gorey and want to know more about his critical reception, THE WORLD OF EDWARD GOREY may be worth looking at. Those who just get an occasional chuckle from his idiosyncracy, however, should pass.
The first part of the book is Ross' interview with Gorey, a rather unimpressive piece that sheds little light on Gorey's development. Ross will bring up painters or authors of the past, and Gorey will either mildly approve, or speak badly of them. Gorey doesn't really seem up to the discussion, and all in all this is a disappointment. What follows, however, is fairly enlightening: Wilkin's essay "Mr. Earbrass Jots Down a Few Visual Notes" explores the various themes of Gorey's work (such as children meeting unfortunate ends), allusions to earlier artists (such as Klee) in his work, and the way he constructs plots. This is a more substantial piece than the interview, though really it will be of interest only to those who wish to deeply explore all facets of Gorey's creations.
The second half of the book are the plates, and this is what really might attract casual lovers of Gorey's work even if they already have the "Amphigorey" collections. Here we find examples not from just his well-known books, but also drawings from unpublished ones, simple sketches of what later became mature material, and many of the book covers and theatrical designs he did for other literary works. I was quite surprised to see Gorey's book covers, since to me his style doesn't fit Muriel Spark or Gogol at all, but apparently he was quite sought after back in the day.
If you are a really intense fan of Gorey and want to know more about his critical reception, THE WORLD OF EDWARD GOREY may be worth looking at. Those who just get an occasional chuckle from his idiosyncracy, however, should pass.
December 10, 2013
I thoroughly enjoy Gorey's quirky style and often delightfully macabre subjects. Ross and Wilkin's book was interesting, and I'd award it 3 1/2 stars. The text gets a bit pedantic at times, but I did indeed learn a lot about Gorey's inspirations, references contained in his work, and his thoughts about art, literature, and culture. To be sure, The World of Edward Gorey is more an art critique than a biography. If you're hoping for details about Gorey's life--beyond the in-text snippets and timeline provided at book's end--you'll need to look elsewhere. Ross and Wilkin were successful in juxtaposing images so as to enable comparison within and across Gorey projects. The photos of his Cape Cod work space, complete with all manner of cats and intriguing objets, were precisely what I would have imagined for him.
January 28, 2011
Edward Gorey is amazing! And, strangely enough, he thinks of himself as a writer, not an artist. Anyway, the interview with him was not nearly long enough and the essay was too long. What was really superb, as usual, was Gorey's work, both art and writing. I DID learn that Gorey uses many literary allusions in both his art and writing, so I'll be looking for those from now on. And I learned that he has been the set designer on a few plays as well. Illustrations from those are included and make me wish I had been there.
October 7, 2009
Best to read this book if you already love Edward Gorey, but it may help you to understand why you love him, and to discuss his art more knowledgeably. Plus, it includes the following (parenthetical) statement:
"(Gorey claims that his leaving New York to live permanently on Cape Cod was spurred by George Balanchine's death in 1983, a decision that has been termed an act of aestheticism worthy of Oscar Wilde.)" Well worth reading, just for those kinds of tidbits.
"(Gorey claims that his leaving New York to live permanently on Cape Cod was spurred by George Balanchine's death in 1983, a decision that has been termed an act of aestheticism worthy of Oscar Wilde.)" Well worth reading, just for those kinds of tidbits.
December 28, 2018
Received this book for christmas, courtesy of my wonderful mother.
Before reading this book I was only somewhat familiar with Edward Gorey. I'd watched a few interviews on youtube and read 'The Gashlycrumb tinies" that I adored but that's about it altough my interest was definitely piqued.
This book starts with an interview of Gorey himself, mostly about his tastes, inspirations and his creative process. The man is obviously well read and educated, so much so that it is inspiring. Later on in the book, in the work analysis part, we learn more about how he subtly referenced so many of the art he loved in his own drawings and writing. Lastly, comes pages and pages of his plates, sketches as well as finished illustrations, in colour and in black and white, commissioned and not.
The man himself seemed funny and attainable yet oddly mysterious but he for sure was an interesting character!
I am dying to discover everything about him now.
On the edition of the book itself, it is beautiful. Extra points for the very parchment looking paper that is actually surprisingly soft. The few colour reproductions look very vibrant, and overall the book is a great piece to add to any collection.
I think the die hard fans would especially enjoy it but I'm a great believer in getting to know the artist prior to really diving into his work so.. There wasn't anything that felt too foreign, I honestly think anyone could love 'The world of Edward Gorey' and hopefully as much as I did!
Before reading this book I was only somewhat familiar with Edward Gorey. I'd watched a few interviews on youtube and read 'The Gashlycrumb tinies" that I adored but that's about it altough my interest was definitely piqued.
This book starts with an interview of Gorey himself, mostly about his tastes, inspirations and his creative process. The man is obviously well read and educated, so much so that it is inspiring. Later on in the book, in the work analysis part, we learn more about how he subtly referenced so many of the art he loved in his own drawings and writing. Lastly, comes pages and pages of his plates, sketches as well as finished illustrations, in colour and in black and white, commissioned and not.
The man himself seemed funny and attainable yet oddly mysterious but he for sure was an interesting character!
I am dying to discover everything about him now.
On the edition of the book itself, it is beautiful. Extra points for the very parchment looking paper that is actually surprisingly soft. The few colour reproductions look very vibrant, and overall the book is a great piece to add to any collection.
I think the die hard fans would especially enjoy it but I'm a great believer in getting to know the artist prior to really diving into his work so.. There wasn't anything that felt too foreign, I honestly think anyone could love 'The world of Edward Gorey' and hopefully as much as I did!
April 22, 2020
An excellent introduction to not only Gorey’s work but to the man. The interview with him was enlightening. Of the books that I know of regarding Edward Gorey, I would recommend this book as a starting point for new readers and those wishing to see what his unique art and outlook was all about.
December 5, 2018
This book is very amazing!!!
February 2, 2009
The World of Edward Gorey is a great book for a Gorey Groupie. Loved the interview with between Clifford Ross and Edward Gorey at the beginning of the book:
CR: What about other objects you collect? Your house is filled to overflowing with all kinds of things.
EG: It’s filled with little animals. Little things-
CR: Finials?
EG: Well, I do adore finials...
And really who does not enjoy a good finial? I have a few scattered about myself. Then the book is stuffed full of his inquisitive artwork and sketches. At the end of the book are a few photos of the above-mentioned collection of things in his home. A perfect addition to a Gorey collection.
CR: What about other objects you collect? Your house is filled to overflowing with all kinds of things.
EG: It’s filled with little animals. Little things-
CR: Finials?
EG: Well, I do adore finials...
And really who does not enjoy a good finial? I have a few scattered about myself. Then the book is stuffed full of his inquisitive artwork and sketches. At the end of the book are a few photos of the above-mentioned collection of things in his home. A perfect addition to a Gorey collection.
July 20, 2013
Allow me to sum up this book in a quote used by the author: "At best, it simply reminds you of what an extremely fascinating, multitalented individual [Edward Gorey] is, something that is hardly news to any Gorey fan, whether that fan is a long-standing devotee or a recent convert." It was essentially 100 pages of fanboying over how great Edward Gorey's art and words are, with an additional 100 pages in the back of just pictures. There was a great interview at the start where Gorey reveals himself to be the world's biggest hipster, but that's pretty much the most worthwhile thing.
March 16, 2010
An interesting overview of the artist's illustrations. One of the strongest parts of the book was where Karen Walker(the author goodsreads does not list!) compares Gorey's works with Japanese woodblocks. I would have liked to see some more of his standalone works that were not parts of books and some more of his early, unsigned book covers. This sparked a real interest in Gorey for me; I would like to visit his house museum in Cape Cod.
January 27, 2009
Excellent book about Edward Gorey. Contains a rare interview with Gorey as well as an analysis of his work and of course a selection of his drawings. I was hoping for more information about the author himself but there is not much in here. Perhaps not the fault of the author as Gorey was a notoriously private man. Overall this book is a treat for any Gorey fan.
October 24, 2009
This is a truly excellent overview of Gorey's art - there are umpteen plates showcasing his work, as well as a thought-provoking essay on his influences and strengths, and an interview. There is also a thorough bibilography on Gorey, arranged in chronological order. I learned a great deal, and can use this book as a reference to look up more of Gorey's work. Recommended!
August 17, 2010
This was a short book with an interesting interview with Mr. Gorey and notes on his art and personality. And lots of pictures of his art. I decided recently that I wanted to see more of his art and requested a stackfull of his books from the library. This was a great introduction. I'm looking forward to seeing more of his quirky, dark books.
October 6, 2012
I am a fan and collector of Gorey's books. I enjoyed parts of this book very much for the insight into his processes. However, the book itself is not a cohesive unit. It features an interview, some drawings a well-researched critical essay on Gorey's works, plates and sketches from books, plays and titles. Only the very dedicated fans will want to read this book from start to finish.
February 21, 2014
I've been collecting Gorey books for some time now, and while I was delighted to see some rough draft sketches, photographs of his home, and various artwork, I was highly disappointed in the analysis portion of the book. The author was repetitive and the whole thing felt excessively verbose and long-winded. Check it out for the artwork and interview at the beginning.
May 28, 2007
I don't often read books about art, but I saw this one and was immediately drawn to the darkly funny atomosphere of Gorey's work. The interview with him that's included is especially good--he seemed like a person that I'd have enormously liked.
January 2, 2009
Combination analysis of Gorey's work with a lengthy interview with the artist. Includes numerous plates that I haven't seen reproduced elsewhere. Definitely one for Gorey fans. I'd suggest getting familiar with his work before picking this book up though. I don't think it works well as an intro.
March 27, 2014
I have loved Edward Gorey's art for a long time now. I did not know much about him personally. I enjoyed learning what inspired and influenced his art. This book has great images of some of his art. A must read for any Edward Gorey fan.
December 5, 2010
I liked it. It was a nice intro for the artist, Gorey. The art is just amazing. However, the biography portion became repetitive very quickly. So I skipped the art analysis and just looked at the pictures!
May 28, 2013
I love Edward Gorey. Very strange of me, I think, and I do not understand why little ol' conventional me enjoys this macabre misogynist child-hating artist so. Perhaps I'm not as conventional as I think I am.
April 23, 2013
How can one not like that has to do with the legendary Gorey? A long time fan of his illustrations and quirky stories I made my way thorough this interesting offering. Fans will not be disappointed if you are like me and want to read everything you can about something you like.
February 1, 2013
The interview and chronology of Edward Gorey's life was very interesting to read. However, I found a breakdown of Gorey's work and how he works and his style was very boring. I didn't need to read someone's very long description of Gorey's many works. The best part of this book were the pictures.
August 26, 2007
Signed 'Mystery' bookplate 1st edition
February 25, 2008
I love Gorey. If I was rich and could afford nice things I would model my life after his books.
January 11, 2009
My favorite part of this book was the interview with Edward Gorey in the beginning. I like the way his mind works. Great book if you are a fan of Gorey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews