Gorey Week 2025

Writer and illustrator Edward Gorey would have celebrated his 100th birthday on 22 February 2025. Join the Gothic Dispatch in admiring the life and work, influences and influence of the Grandfather of Goth.

Edward Gorey photographed in the window of a department store.

There Was Just One, and Now It’s Dead: Remembering Edward Gorey

Posted on by The Gothic Dispatch

During his lifetime, Edward Gorey was presumed to be English, Victorian and dead. One of them, at least, is now true.

Join me in marking what would have been the 100th birthday of the Grandfather of Goth with a whistle-stop tour of his life, work and death. Hear his stories of a perfectly ordinary childhood that was really anything but. Follow him to New York City and the Gotham Book Mart, where he became a cult icon. And see if you can succeed where he could not in escaping the long shadow of Dracula.

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In a black and white film still, a woman points a small pistol at a man, the two staring at each other in early 20th century fashion.

How Can I Use That?: The Influences of Edward Gorey

Posted on by The Gothic Dispatch

He famously read Dracula at the age of seven. From then on, Edward Gorey and his host of pale-skinned, dark-eyed characters feasted on culture wherever they could find it.

Join me in marking what would have been the 100th birthday of the Grandfather of Goth by digging into his biggest influences. Piece together the clues scattered throughout his life. Examine the strange and disturbing marks they left on his work. And hunt his favourite artists, writers and filmmakers around the world and through the centuries.

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The cover of Edward Gorey's book, The Gashlycrumb Tinies.

Goofy, Elegant Murders: The Essential Works of Edward Gorey

Posted on by The Gothic Dispatch

Edward Gorey wrote 116 books of his own, illustrated more than 500 for other writers and left behind boxes of unfinished manuscripts. So, where should you start?

Join me in marking what would have been the 100th birthday of the Grandfather of Goth by picking out some of his most essential and influential stories. Learn why The Gashlycrumb Tinies and The Doubtful Guest are still delighting readers today. Discover disturbing stories you might have missed. And hear the writer-illustrator pick out his own favourites – before drawing your own conclusions.

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