Amphigorey (1972) by Edward Gorey
An anthology of 15 short illustrated books by the master of creepy, gothic sketches. And creepy is an understatement in a handful of these--children skewered and thrown off buildings and piers. Adults killed in a variety of ways. Edward Gorey was at times a bloodthirsty fellow. But I do adore his drawings and it was great fun to explore these 15 short books. I picked it up from the library originally for The Gashlycrumb Tinies, Gorey murderous alphabet depicting 26 ways that the Tinies were bumped off. [I needed an "A is for Alpha" type book for one of my challenges.] I even got a bonus A-Z with The Fatal Lozenge. This one was about devilry and despondency of all types--not just murder.
In addition to the dark alphabets, Gorey gives us lessons in what type of pet one ought not to invite into the house, a look at the trials and tribulations of an author, a peek at the types of antics guests get up to in a country house (not suitable for children...), a slew limericks--both naughty and nasty (and some in French), a saga about a group of bugs, the sad story of Charlotte who was orphaned and mistreated, and the travels of Edna, Sam, & Harry on a railroad handcart--among others.
A fascinating book and an interesting look into the mind of the man who first came to my attention with his rendering of the intro to Mystery! ★★★★
First line (1st book): Mr. C(lavius) F(rederick) Earbrass is, of course, the well-known novelist.
Last line (Last book): The wind came and took them through an open window; she watched them blow away.
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Deaths: 33 [The Listing Attic = 3]; [The Object Lesson =1]; [The Hapless Child = 2]; [The Gashlycrumb Tinies = 26]; [The Insect God = 1]
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