The Theatrical Adventures of Edward Gorey

The definitive, deluxe art book about Edward Gorey’s theater work—from the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of Dracula to the wildly creative productions to which he devoted the last decade of his life. 

As a kid, I was completely mesmerized by the opening sequence of PBS Mystery!, with its eerie yet captivating artwork by Edward Gorey. While Diana Rigg would introduce the British mystery series that followed, which I often found rather dull, it was the atmospheric intro that truly grabbed my attention and kept me coming back. At the time, I had no idea who Edward Gorey was—my only exposure to his work was through PBS. It wasn’t until later that I discovered the full scope of his incredible artistry, opening up a whole new world of darkly whimsical and imaginative creations.

Edward Gorey (1925-2000) was a prodigious and original artist who published more than one hundred beloved works, including The Gashlycrumb Tinies, The Doubtful Guest, and Amphigorey, and illustrations that appeared regularly in such publications as The New Yorker and The New York Times and books by authors ranging from Charles Dickens and T.S. Eliot to John Updike and Virginia Woolf, among many others. His animated credits for the PBS Mystery! series introduced him to millions of television viewers. In addition to his intricate pen-and-ink drawings and darkly humorous storybooks, Gorey also nurtured a lifelong passion for the performing arts. This volume is the first to showcase his extensive theatrical work, including transitioning from designing major productions to crafting original community theater pieces on Cape Cod.

Written by his friend and collaborator Carol Verburg, this handsome hardcover edition contains annotated scripts, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and over two hundred images, including archival photos and previously unpublished artwork. It unveils Gorey at work and plays, drawing back the curtain on his enigmatic genius, which continues to inspire artists and collectors today.

BELOVED ARTIST: Edward Gorey’s art is instantly recognizable. Storytellers such as Tim Burton and Daniel Handler cite him as an inspiration, and his influence is visible in the works of illustrators ranging from Tom Gauld to Stephanie von Reiswitz. With an oeuvre that ranges widely from storybooks to the stage, Gorey is a major artist of the 20th century. 

RARE AND UNPUBLISHED CONTENT: This is the first book focused on Gorey’s theater work and includes previously unpublished and rarely seen archival photos, illustrations, and scripts—some annotated in Gorey’s own hand. It is an essential read for collectors and fans.

THE INSIDE STORY: Carol Verburg was Gorey’s close friend and creative comrade-in-arms all through the last decade of his life, and she writes with insight and a personal touch. She intersperses her reminiscences with quotes from actors and collaborators to weave a vivid narrative.

EXQUISITE GIFT: With rich visuals, engaging writing, and a luxurious hardcover package featuring a red velvet spine, this is a beautiful volume to display on a coffee table and the perfect gift for Gorey fans and theater buffs. 

Perfect for:

• Fans and collectors of Edward Gorey’s books and illustrations
• Lovers of theater, theater history, and theatrical design and production
• Art students and collectors
• Readers of memoirs and biographies

“My mission in life is to make everybody as uneasy as possible … because that’s what the world is like.”

THE INFLUENCE OF HIS ART: Edward Gorey’s work may be subtle in its broader cultural recognition, but his influence on macabre-leaning creatives is undeniable. His distinctive blend of dark humor, eerie atmosphere, and intricate illustrations has left an indelible mark on a wide array of artists and writers. If you look closely, you’ll find traces of Gorey’s touch in many beloved works across various mediums.

Filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro, known for his love of gothic and fantastical storytelling, has openly cited Gorey as an inspiration. Similarly, children’s book author Maurice Sendak, famed for “Where the Wild Things Are,” admired Gorey’s ability to craft unsettling yet whimsical tales. Neil Gaiman, whose darkly magical narratives in works like “Coraline” and “The Sandman” mirror Gorey’s tone, has also acknowledged his influence. Daniel Handler, better known by his pseudonym Lemony Snicket, owes much of the dry wit and gloomy atmosphere in “A Series of Unfortunate Events” to Gorey’s aesthetic.

Perhaps the most direct homage comes from Tim Burton, who once remarked, “It’s pretty darn obvious,” when asked about Gorey’s impact on his signature style. From Burton’s characters to his haunting yet playful visuals, the connection to Gorey’s world is unmistakable. In short, Gorey’s legacy is woven into the fabric of modern gothic and surrealist art, even if it often remains understated.