Quick Take

The title of this deliciously creepy collection of Gorey's work stems from the word amphigory, meaning a nonsense verse or composition. As always, Gorey's painstakingly cross-hatched pen and ink drawings are perfectly suited to his oddball verse and prose. The first book of 15, "The Unstrung Harp," describes the writing process of novelist Mr. Clavius Frederick Earbrass: "He must be mad to go on enduring the unexquisite agony of writing when it all turns out drivel." In "The Listing Attic," you'll find a set of quirky limericks such as "A certain young man, it was noted, / Went about in the heat thickly coated; / He said, 'You may scoff, / But I shan't take it off; / Underneath I am horribly bloated.' "Many of Gorey's tales involve untimely deaths and dreadful mishaps, but much like tragic Irish ballads with their perky rhythms and melodies, they come off as strangely lighthearted. "The Gashlycrumb Tinies," for example, begins like this: "A is for AMY who fell down the stairs, B is for BASIL assaulted by bears," and so on. An eccentric, funny book for either the uninitiated or diehard Gorey fans.Contains: The Unstrung Harp, The Listing Attic, The Doubtful Guest, The Object Lesson, The Bug Book, The Fatal Lozenge, The Hapless Child, The Curious Sofa, The Willowdale Handcar, The Gashlycrumb Tinies, The Insect God, The West Wing, The Wuggly Ump, The Sinking Spell, and The Remembered Visit.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Amphigorey (Amphigorey, #1)

Introduction

Amphigorey, written by the late Edward Gorey, is a collection of fifteen short stories and drawings that showcase the author's dark humor and twisted imagination. The book, first published in 1972, has since become a cult classic and a favorite among fans of Gorey's work. In this article, we will delve into the book's content, explore the author's background, analyze readers' views, and summarize the reasons for recommending and not recommending this book.

About Edward Gorey

Edward Gorey, born in Chicago in 1925, was a writer and illustrator known for his peculiar and macabre works. He studied art at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago and later worked as an illustrator for various publications. Gorey's unique style, characterized by his cross-hatched pen and ink drawings, perfectly suited his dark and humorous stories. He gained recognition for his contributions to children's literature, including illustrating works by John Bellairs, but also created works for adult audiences. Gorey passed away in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of quirky and imaginative stories that continue to captivate readers.

Analysis of Views

Dark humor and macabre themes: Many readers praise Gorey's ability to infuse humor into dark and morbid situations. The stories in Amphigorey often involve untimely deaths and mishaps, but they are presented in a lighthearted manner that adds to their charm.
Unique illustrations: Gorey's distinctive pen and ink drawings are a significant aspect of the book's appeal. His intricate cross-hatching and attention to detail bring the characters and settings to life, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Accessibility for both newcomers and diehard fans: Amphigorey is accessible to both those who are new to Gorey's work and diehard fans. The stories are engaging and entertaining, making it easy for readers to become immersed in the world of Amphigorey.
Lack of linear narrative structure: Some readers find that the stories in Amphigorey lack a clear linear narrative structure. The book consists of a series of interconnected tales, which may require readers to pay close attention to fully appreciate the connections between them.
Themes of mortality and existentialism: The stories in Amphigorey often explore themes of mortality and the human condition. Readers appreciate the thought-provoking nature of these themes, which add depth to the overall reading experience.

Reasons for Recommendation

Unique blend of humor and darkness: Gorey's ability to infuse humor into dark situations makes Amphigorey a refreshing read. The book offers a balance between lightheartedness and deeper philosophical themes, making it appealing to a wide range of readers.
Stunning illustrations: Gorey's intricate drawings add depth and charm to the stories in Amphigorey. His attention to detail and use of cross-hatching create a visual feast that enhances the reading experience.
Accessible for both newcomers and fans: Whether you are new to Gorey's work or a diehard fan, Amphigorey offers something for everyone. The book's engaging stories and accessible nature make it a great choice for readers looking to explore his world.
Thought-provoking themes: The exploration of mortality and existentialism in Amphigorey adds depth to the reading experience. Readers appreciate the opportunity to ponder these themes alongside the entertaining stories.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of linear narrative structure: Some readers find the lack of a clear linear narrative structure in Amphigorey challenging. The book's interconnected tales may require more effort to understand than a traditional narrative structure.
Mature content: Although not explicitly graphic, some stories in Amphigorey deal with mature themes such as death and sexuality. Readers who prefer more innocent content may find these elements distasteful or inappropriate for their taste.

Conclusion

Amphigorey, written by Edward Gorey, is a collection of fifteen short stories that showcase the author's dark humor and twisted imagination. The book's unique blend of humor and darkness, stunning illustrations, accessibility for both newcomers and fans, and thought-provoking themes make it a highly recommended read for those looking for something outside the ordinary. However, some readers may find the lack of a linear narrative structure challenging or prefer more innocent content. Overall, Amphigorey offers a captivating reading experience that appeals to fans of Gorey's work and those who appreciate quirky and imaginative storytelling.