Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The Unstrung Harp - Edward Gorey

Mr. Earbrass stands on the terrace at twilight. It is bleak; it is cold; and the virtue has gone out of everything. Words drift through his mind: ANGUISH TURNIPS CONJUNCTIONS ILLNESS DEFEAT STRING NO PARTIES URNS DESUETUDE DISAFFECTION CLAWS LOSS TREBIZOND NAPKINS SHAME STONES DISTANCE FEVER ANTIPODES MUSH GLACIERS INCOHERENCE LABELS MIASMA AMPUTATION TIDES DECEIT MOURNING ELSEWARDS ...

Gorey's first book, published in 1953, is as quirky and humorous as his others. It is amusing and very fun to read. I couldn't decide if I enjoyed the text or the drawings more. Gorey, the artist is incredible with his unique drawing style and ability to surprise the viewer entirely with his vision. Gorey, the writer could be no other than the artist with words that describe routine situations oddly.
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This book covers the literary life of author getting a book written and published. Not surprisingly, Gorey this life as miserable. It sure is fun, however, for the reader. This book can be read in fifteen minutes or savored for an hour or more. I found myself reading a couple times in the course of a week, enjoying it more with each reading.

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