NAHANT — The Nahant Public Library is getting ready to pay tribute to one of literature’s most unique figures: Edward Gorey. The event will kick off at 2 p.m.
Gorey, who was born in Chicago in 1925 and later lived in Massachusetts until his death in 2000, has carved out a place in literary history through his Victorian Gothic written work and illustrations. Aside from his talent as an artist, he was also a Tony-award-winning costume designer.
Anne Bromer, a library trustee, began Bromer Booksellers with her husband in the 1960s, during which the two traveled the world collecting rare books. She noted that at the upcoming event, she’ll be speaking about the impact Gorey had on literature through his written works and illustrations.
Bromer noted there are “very few” people still living who remember him personally. His creative aura bled into the way he dressed, where he was often seen wearing huge coats and clanky silver jewelry.
“It’s about the reminisces I have from working with Edward Gorey in the past. He was an astounding figure in literary illustration, in writing, and in theatrical productions… Although he was influenced by 19th-century writers, his style was gory, with deadpan humor,” Bromer said.
She continued, describing Gorey as “a cult figure in circles who knew him,” and that though he died 25 years ago, he’s “every bit as popular today.”
His work, quite literally, includes miniature books that can fit in the palm of your hand, filled with strange fables and drawings that were often no more than 30 pages in length. Bromer mentioned he wrote and designed over 100 of them.
A passage from his book, “The Unknown Vegetable,” displays his ability to create snappy, vivid prose, sometimes presented in the form of rhyming couplets.
“Out strolling, Filda heard a sound that came from underneath the ground. She saw, next time she took a walk, a spot marked by a tiny stalk. Next day, a dozen leaves were vibrating strangely in the air. Next week, they waved above her head. Their veins were purple, black, and red,” Bromer read.
Library Director Nori Morganstein said, “Any opportunity to bring knowledge and education about writers and artists — especially ones who lived in Massachusetts — is amazing, and we’re very lucky to have Anne Bromer as a trustee, because she’s such an expert on books.”
