Edward Gorey is one of my favorite writer/illustrators. I came to know him as many in my generation did, through the animated intro to PBS Mystery ( during the 80's it was just called Mystery. Now its Mobil Masterpiece Mystery) . Gorey was one of those artists/writers that many were a fan of without knowing. This intro is a pop culture classic. Many PBS geeks such as I , will attest to this whole heatedly. Its dark and Edwardian a dark humor at its most ghastly, let's take a look at the original opening. Then talk a little more about Gorey. A brief bio of this man who had influenced such icons as Tim Burton. I can see it ...
Edward Gorey was born Edward St.John Gorey in Chicago Illinois on February 22,1925.
Education: Army, Studied at Harvard University , The School of The Art Institute of Chicago ( he did a brief semester there. he has said that he is mostly self taught)
Most Recognised Work: Gashlycrumb Tinies, Doubtful Guest, Animation introducing "Mystery" on PBS, Dracula stage production
Genre : Literature/ Surrealist
Awards : Tony Award
Here is a look at Gorey's most famous illustrations in the book Gashlycrumb Tinnies know to some as the Gorey Alphabet.
- Factiods : Gorey loved anagrams would reference them frequently in his works. ( Pop Trash Beauty-A BERTHA YOST PUP )
- Pop Culture lover known to follow soap opras, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Cheers, Batman the Animated series to name a few
- Some of his pen names were anagrams of his own name
- Published over 100 works in his life time
- Jane Austen was one of his influences in his work
We merely scratched the surface of this legend. Wanted to give you a taste of the amazing Edward Gorey. I could look at his illustrations all day. "Surreal but Nice " Do you have a favorite illustrator ?
