Edward Gorey Quotes

Powerful Edward Gorey for Daily Growth

About Edward Gorey

Edward St. John Gorey (1925-2000) was an American writer, artist, and illustrator known for his whimsical, macabre, and intricate pen-and-ink drawings that often contained fantastical creatures and Victorian settings. Born in Chicago on February 22, 1925, Gorey spent much of his childhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Influenced by his mother's love for literature and his father's collection of antique books, he developed a fascination with storytelling and the Victorian era. His education at Harvard University further solidified these interests. Gorey's professional career began in 1953 when he started creating illustrations for books published by Doubleday & Company's Anchor Press/Doubleday Book Club. His first published work, "The Unstrung Harp" (1953), was a collection of his early drawings and verse. However, it was his illustrated edition of Edward Lear's "A Book of Nonsense" in 1961 that brought him wider recognition. Throughout the 1960s, Gorey gained notoriety with his illustrated books, including "The Gashlycrumb Tinies" (1963), a darkly humorous alphabet book that listed the deaths of various children in rhyme, and "The Doubtful Guest" (1957), a tale of an enigmatic visitor who brings chaos to a quiet household. In addition to his books, Gorey worked on numerous projects, including set designs for off-Broadway productions, the animated series "Mystery!" (1978), and costumes for the New York City Opera's production of Menotti's "The Medium" (1970). Edward Gorey passed away in February 2000 at his home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. His unique blend of humor, horror, and the absurd continues to influence contemporary artists and remains a cornerstone of American popular culture.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The good thing about a kitchen full of cats is that no mouse will ever bother you."

This quote by Edward Gorey humorously suggests that a household with a sufficient number of cats will effectively eliminate any potential rodent problems, providing the homeowner with a mouse-free environment. The phrase can also be interpreted metaphorically to mean that having helpful or protective companions (in this case, cats) can prevent or alleviate unwanted issues (such as mice infestations).


"Suddenly, with a noise like a small cannon going off in a dryer, she vanished."

The quote suggests an unexpected and dramatic disappearance of a character in an almost fantastical or surreal manner, reminiscent of the whimsical and slightly eerie world often depicted by Edward Gorey. It implies that the event is sudden and abrupt, leaving little time for preparation or explanation.


"Doubtful as to the next move."

This quote by Edward Gorey reflects a state of uncertainty or indecision about what action to take next, often in complex or ambiguous situations. It suggests a hesitance to commit or proceed due to lack of clear information, understanding, or confidence. The quote also implies a sense of introspection and careful consideration before making a decision.


"It's easier to feign innocence than to deal with the consequences of guilt."

This quote suggests that it may be simpler for individuals to pretend they are unaware or innocent, rather than confronting and dealing with the repercussions of acknowledging wrongdoings. It's a commentary on human nature, highlighting the potential tendency for people to avoid or evade responsibility, especially when faced with difficult situations or penalties.


"The trouble with life is real estate."

This quote by Edward Gorey humorously suggests that the primary difficulty or challenge in life may be the acquisition, management, and maintenance of property, often symbolizing material possessions and wealth. It implies a critique on societal values where accumulation of property and real estate can dominate an individual's time, energy, and focus, potentially overshadowing other aspects of life such as relationships, personal growth, or simple enjoyment.


I just kind of conjured them up out of my subconscious and put them in order of ascending peculiarity.

- Edward Gorey

Kind, Them, Just Kind, Ascending

Life is intrinsically, well, boring and dangerous at the same time. At any given moment the floor may open up. Of course, it almost never does; that's what makes it so boring.

- Edward Gorey

May, Given, Almost, Floor

To take my work seriously would be the height of folly.

- Edward Gorey

Folly, Take, Would, Height

I realize that homosexuality is a serious problem for anyone who is - but then, of course, heterosexuality is a serious problem for anyone who is, too. And being a man is a serious problem and being a woman is, too. Lots of things are problems.

- Edward Gorey

Woman, Homosexuality, Then, Heterosexuality

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