Artists Book House wishes Edward Gorey a Happy 100th Birthday!

Portrait of Edward Gorey, cut paper illustration by © Ken Gerleve, 2014.

Many of us here at ABH draw great inspiration from the weird, wonderful work of Edward Gorey, born here in Chicago on February 22, 1925. 

Edward Gorey was a prolific writer, illustrator, set designer, and playwright, who is most known for the animated opening titles to the PBS Mystery! Series, and creating dozens of small illustrated picture books – many decidedly not for children – including the Gashlycrumb Tinies. Additionally, Gorey often played with forms familiar to the book arts crowd, including tunnel books, toy theaters, tarot-esque card decks, and mail art. For those uninitiated with Gorey’s work, a visit to websites for the Edward Gorey House and the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust will prime you for a lifetime of obsession.

ABH co-founder and Board President Ken Gerleve has contributed artwork to the Gorey-inspired theatrical production The Uncanny Attic, which is currently appearing (Feb 20-22, 2025) at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Former ABH Board member Jennifer Friedrich is a co-creator of the show, along with choreographer and writer Bazuka Joe. There’s a great write up of the show here at Chicago Magazine.

The Uncanny Attic, Paper Toy Theater Poster, 2025. © Ken Gerleve

Gerleve also created a companion show of original work entitled Summerland: A Ghost Story for the exhibition Elegant Enigmas, The Art of Edward Gorey at the Loyola University Museum of Art in 2014, and along with ABH Board member Todd Summar, founded Goreyesque, an online literary journal featuring original fiction, poetry, and artwork inspired by Gorey, also in 2014. Though the site has been in hibernation for several years, rumblings and grumblings have recently been reported. Some even say that Goreyesque may be awakening from its slumber. Check this space for updates as the story develops!