Customer Reviews

Elegant Enigmas: The Art of Edward Gorey

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Karen Wilkin, the Brandywine River Museum and Pomegranate team up to bring us 'Elegant Enigmas: the Art of Edward Gorey'. It's a good-size hardcover book, doubling as catalog and checklist for the exhibition by the same name being held at the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania this year. The museum is famous for its art collection and association with several Wyeth families: notably N.C., Andrew, Jamie and Carolyn. With Andrew Wyeth's recent passing last January, there seems to be a stronger interest in American art, and the Wyeth's work may be a good contrast to the draftsmanly pen & inks of Goreys. Like the book, this review precedes the exhibition, which runs from March 21 thru May 17 2009.

In 'Elegant Enigmas', Wilkin presents an essay in the beginning of the book entitled 'Mildly Unsettled' -- Gorey is quoted as using the term to describe his own persona and his work. 'Mildly Unsettled' has a some biographical information, but focuses largely on Gorey's output in relation to possible influences. Nearly everything is covered - art, literature, movies - silent and non-s, and cats. This essay isn't as in depth as Wilkin's previous work in The World of Edward Gorey (Abrams, 1996), but it does have a broader perspective. And maybe less implied cause and effect. It was good to go back and forth between the two books, as years and later works brought new subject matter to assimilate.

The collection of plates representing the artwork shown in the exhibit is very nicely done. Extra attention to the finest details in Gorey's artwork is evident; gradations are preserved, and not a line is lost. I'd seen a few of these original works in the 'From Prodigy to Polymath' exhibition in San Diego five years ago, and those reproduced here are indeed very close. The inclusion of concept sketches, character studies and pages of typed text finalized before illustration work was started provides a glimpse at the skillful side of Gorey's creative process. It endows each project with a sense of time and flow, and face it, the toil involved. Further along the pages, there's a neat little surprise that really brought a smile, as if a new discovery had been made. Of minor import at first glance, this artwork pulls a part of Gorey's life to the fore, showing how his developing talent also lived in a more private realm. This artwork also shows how joyful and fresh and spontaneous Gorey's work can be. I won't spoil it by just saying what it is, but it's nearly worth the price of the book alone. `Wow!' was all I remember saying at the time.

-- GE

This book is a lovely addition to the collection of a fan of Edward Gorey. It's no replacement for his works, as the pieces within are not complete stories, but it does an excellent job sampling the bits and pieces, making you want to read more.

I enjoyed it thoroughly!

I received this book as a Christmas gift and I absolutely love it! Anyone who is a fan of Edward Gorey will love this book!