Photo of Edward Gorey by Richard Avedon
The New Yorker recently did a write up on Artist and Author, Edward Gorey.  As I was reading the article I thought back to the first time someone introduced me to Edward Gorey’s work, and it occurred to me that many readers may not be familiar with this illustration icon, partly due to his age. Aptly named, Gorey’s work tends toward the macabre, and few books are as perfect an example of his sensibilities as ‘The Gashlycrumb Tinies”. It was this book that first introduced me to his work, and still to date, is my favorite of his. Originally published in 1963, it’s quite possible this amazing book has slipped passed your radar all this time.
Originally published as part of the three volume set entitled ‘The Vinegar Works: Three Volumes of Moral Instruction’, ‘The Gashleycrumb Tinies’ is a precious little gem, both in it’s execution and it’s stature. It’s small size, which in it’s current iteration is just 5 inches tall, adds to the charm of this twisted little alphabet book.
I am going to attach scans of the book below, simply because I think it’s worth sharing in it’s entirety. But if you like what you see, I highly encourage you to purchase your own copy here. They are extremely affordable, and it is a wonderful conversation starter. We leave ours on the coffee table for when the neighbor’s kids come to visit.
I give you, ‘The Gashleycrumb Tinies’, by Edward Gorey… enjoy!
And lastly, I leave you with this wonderful little video that someone made, animating this time-treasured book.
Read the recent New Yorker article about Edward Gorey here:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/12/10/edward-goreys-enigmatic-world
Purchase your own copy of ‘The Gashleycrumb Tinies’ here:
https://www.amazon.com/Gashlycrumb-Tinies-Edward-Gorey/dp/0151003084/
A trip down memory lane, Dan: thanks! For those interested, a Gorey biography was recent published, “Born to Be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey.”
Thanks for the tip!
My late father used to give me a Gorey book every Christmas and this year I have to buy it myself. The biography will do, though some of the reviews say it dwells too much on Gorey’s sexuality, which is of no interest to me personally.
I’ve read those reviews, too; I don’t know if they’re valid or overreaching (like some of the reviews for the last Leyendecker book). I’ve got a copy sitting here so I guess I’m going to find out. 🙂
Some of my favorite books. He fits in nicely with my sensibilities. Thanks Dan
I always show these to my students because of their wonderful value arrangement. I love how clear and easy to read each image is.
Matt Cohen and Marc Palm did a tragic pastiche of this for Mad Magazine called The Ghastlygun TInies. It will make you weep, especially when you get to Z.
https://imgur.com/gallery/eSvwrD1