The Unstrung Harp by Edward Gorey
A couple weeks ago, I read “12 Star-Powered College Roommates” on Mental Floss, and among the roommate pairings were Frank O’Hara and Edward Gorey.
Gorey was described as a “creepy illustrator” and not knowing who Gorey was, I Googled him because such a description piques the interest, no? Lo and behold, Gorey’s illustrations are indeed creepy, but in a fun way, like Chistina Ricci as Wednesday Addams.
I’m a homicidal maniac, they look just like everyone else.
I checked out The Unstrung Harp at the library and as it turns out, The Unstrung Harp is about the writing process! How serendipitous is that?
I think every writer should read about the hilarious trials and tribulations of Mr. Clavius Frederick Earbrass as he embarks on his latest novel-writing journey. I read it in all of 20 minutes while sitting in the parking lot at my niece’s high school waiting for her cheerleading practice to end, and I laughed so much I bet it would embarrass my niece if anyone saw me and knew we were related.
Mr. Earbrass’ tale sums up the tale of every writer I know (which is a little unnerving, seeing the book came out in 1953) and his visit to the second hand bookstore, the antiques store, and his opening and closing lines for his book are moments to savor in this little story told through pictures. Lovely. Just lovely (In that good creepy/lovely kind of way).
