The Strange Case of Edward Gorey [Paperback]

Alexander Theroux (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2000

The Firecracker Alternative Book Award-winning look back at the life of the late artist Edward Gorey. Combining artistic analysis, a personal reminiscence of the artist Theroux knew for over 25 years, and an intimate familiarity with Gorey's oeuvre while drawing on exclusive interviews with the artist (the book was begun before Gorey's passing in 2000 at the age of 75 but completed just after), this book stands as the most comprehensive bio yet written about the beloved but reclusive and enigmatic artist.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An addictively readable book, stuffed with scandalous morsels of gossip, piquant table talk (Gorey and Theroux were friends), the author’s staircase wit, and his sharply perceptive insights into the mind and art of the incalculable, eccentric Gorey. A poisoned bon-bon of a book. To be read aloud to a friend, in bed, with a glass of absinthe on the night table. (Mark Dery )

The Strange Case of Edward Gorey revels in Gorey’s intelligence, wit, and marvelous eccentricities. (Alex Beam - The Boston Globe )

This is a loving memoir of a singular artist, written by a best friend, one of the most talented novelists in America. (The Gay & Lesbian Review ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Alexander Theroux is an award-winning novelist, poet and teacher whose prose works include Laura Warholic or, The Sexual Intellectual, Estonia, and the two artist monographs The Strange Case of Edward Gorey and The Enigma of Al Capp. His novel Darconville’s Cat was chosen by Anthony Burgess as one of the 99 greatest post-war novels. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife Sarah-Son Theroux. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 68 pages
• Publisher: Fantagraphics Books (August 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560973854
• ISBN-13: 978-1560973850
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,155,161 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > Publishers > Fantagraphics
  • #41 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Artists, Architects & Photographers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Match, September 30, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Strange Case of Edward Gorey (Paperback)

Because Theroux knew Gorey personally, he wisely restricts himself to providing a colorful character portrait, rather than pointless theorizing on Gorey's art. This is a brief book, but, because of the author's lively style, and also certainly because of his unique artistic insight (Theroux and Gorey seem to be two of a kind), much deeper than a more straightforward dissertation might have been.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Guilty Pleasure, February 11, 2009

By 

Mark Dery (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Strange Case of Edward Gorey (Paperback)

Theroux is a gossipy, waspish writer who never misses an opportunity to flaunt his (admittedly prodigious) erudition or sneer at the booboisie. He name-drops with a shamelessness that would bring a blush to Capote's cheek, and score-settles with relish (especially with his more celebrated brother, for whom he nurses an undying grudge). Bitchy, affected, and too clever by half, his style aspires to Oscar Wilde but more often approximates Paul Lynde. (A compliment, even so.) All of which is what makes The Strange Case an addictively readable book, stuffed with scandalous morsels of gossip, piquant table talk (Gorey and Theroux were friends), the author's staircase wit, and his sharply perceptive insights into the mind and art of the incalcuable, eccentric Gorey. A poisoned bon-bon of a book. To be read aloud to a friend, in bed, with a glass of absinthe on the night table.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tea with Gorey, December 13, 2000

By 

"blissengine" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Strange Case of Edward Gorey (Paperback)

Theroux's short book delves into Gorey's persona and influences and gives us a tantalizing glimpse into the world of the much missed Edward Gorey. By limiting himself to his friendship with Gorey, Theroux preserves the air of mystery surrounding the writer and artist. This volume is a welcome addition to anyone's collection of Gorey books and collectibles.