Customer Reviews

The Unstrung Harp; or, Mr. Earbrass Writes a Novel

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I grew up with this book, but tragically lost it a few years ago. Now it is finally available again. The story of Mr. Earbrass struggling with every phase of writing a book is a classic of wry humor with non-sequiturs at every turn. The illustrations (drawn actual size) are even more of an attraction than the story. Be sure to look for the distant hot-air balloon in one illustration, and what happens to the fantod under glass. What's a fantod? Read the book to see one! I also recommend this book for developing childrens' sense of humor, although I found the long-headed people and oblique references to English place names a bit difficult to understand when I was six.

This is a reissue of Gorey's first book, which has much more text and a more conventional and linear storyline than many others that followed. However, don't be put off. All the Gorey trademarks are here in full bloom: the illustrations are ravishing in their detail, the text is very funny and absurd, and the story about the agonies of creativity is wonderfully comic in its depictions of the writer's life. This is my favorite Gorey book, bar none.

This book is surely among Edward Gorey's finest. However, I was extremely disappointed to discover that the text of the story, originally hand-lettered by Mr. Gorey, has been set in an utterly non-descript typeface. A poor choice, hopefully on the part of editors. The story itself is marvelous; still and all, some of the charm is diminished when "Collapsed Pudding" is written on a computer and transferred to a page, rather than written out in the author's inimitable style.

THE UNSTRUNG HARP was Edward Gorey's first novel, published in 1953. Although full of the droll humour that makes all of his efforts true pleasures to read, it is a little different from later, typical Gorey. There is more text with each illustration, and the characters involved are not as realistic as later, although these illustrations are still pen and ink drawings set in Edwardian times.

The story concerns C. F. Earbrass, the "well-known novelist". Earbrass is at work on a new book, and each picture shows a stage. Gorey's book is a wonderful and insightful commentary on the process of literary creation, and I will quote from one page:

"The first draft of TUH is more than half finished, and for some weeks its characters have been assuming a fitful and cloudy reality. Now, a minor one named Glassglue has materialized at the head of the stairs as his creator is about to go down to dinner. Mr Earbrass was aware of the peculiarly unpleasant nubs on his greatcoat, but not the blue-tinted spectacles. Glassglue is about to mutter something in a tone too low to be caught and, stepping sideways, vanish."

If you could only see the illustration accompanying this you would get the book immediately. THE UNSTRUNG HARP is a very funny book and is worth seeking out by all Gorey fans, although THE OTHER STATUE might make a better introduction.

Fantods and epergnes do exist - at least they're in the dictionary. One is under glass in this book. It's impossible to review this wonderful book without quoting from it. Roughly speaking it's a short book about a strange-looking man writing a novel but that doesn't tell you much about it. We know he's strange-looking because of the illustrations. These are indescribable.
Come to think of it I might as well give up attempting to describe or review.
You can still get this book legally at Amazon.com so hurry up. For some reason Goreys often go out of print and then you have to resort to begging, which would be bad for your self-esteem, or stealing, which could get you you in more trouble. The unthinkable thing would be not to own this book.

The Unstrung Harp, Or, Mr. Earbrass Writes a Novel is a book about writing a book. If you have ever written and published (or tried to publish) a book, you will think every word and picture in The Unstrung Harp is hilarious. Gorey perfectly captures every frustration an author faces as well as most of the odd character quirks every writer seems to share. If you are not a writer, this is still a funny book and will give you insight into the minds of (though I say so myself) a peculiar people.

This is the truest-- and most encouraging-- commentary I have ever read on the excitement, pain, embarrassment, distraction, disappointment and eventual repetition of writing a novel. I am revising a novel now, and I return over and over to look at Mr. Earbrass, sitting on the floor with scissors, glue and sherry to fortify himself for the process. It's funny, all right, but if you've ever been there with Mr. Earbrass, bored with your characters and sure that writing is a worthless endeavor, you may find the comedy somewhat smothered under the relief of fellow-feeling.

"In the blue horror of dawn the vines in the carpet appear likely to begin twining up his ankles." Although I haven't attempted to publish my books, as a writer I can understand some of Mr. Earbrass's tribulations while he experiences the realm of his own novel. Although it is a humorous story, for the most part I find "The Unstrung Harp" moving, passionate, and honest. Earbrass is a heroic solipsist descending into his own mind to survive, at the same time offering up what he finds there for public scrutiny. I wish I could read his famous Hipdeep Trilogy. (And don't forget that Gorey's illustrations are beautiful.)

This book has more to offer than it did in 1953, when it was first published. Most of the trouble that Mr. Earbrass goes through while he's writing a novel could be solved if he had a computer. It would be neater and easier, but, ofcourse, they didn't have that many computers in 1953, not to mention Edwardian times! This book is priceless.

A brilliant tale of how best to go about writing the all-American novel. Or British. Whatever. I carry this book close to my heart, as do all serious authors.