Miss D. Awdrey-Gore, renowned 97-year-old writer of detective stories, is found murdered; then a mysterious hidden packet is discovered. Addressed to her publisher, it contains what appear to be notes and drawings related to a literary work in progress. The contents "in their entirety -- though certain things are patently missing" comprise clues about the who, what, when, where, and how of Awdrey-Gore's demise. Or do they? Edward Gorey takes us on a rollicking ride in this merry murder mystery, but whether or not the killer is revealed is open to speculation. As one scrap of paper in the packet states, "The smallest clue may be (or not) / The one to give away the plot." Like his fictional dame novelist, Gorey (1925?2000) was a prolific author. Creator of more than one hundred works, he was also an artist, playwright, award-winning set and costume designer, and creator of the animated introduction to the PBS series Mystery! First published in 1972, The Awdrey-Gore Legacy remains one of Gorey's most treasured tales, satisfying the sleuth in each of us. Hardcover, mostly b&w, a little color.

Twenty-six curious creatures -- from the fastidious Ampoo to the world's one and only Zote -- fill the pages of The Utter Zoo, an alphabet from the untamed imagination of Edward Gorey. The Boggerslosh, the Crunk, and the Dawbis; the Ippagoggy, the Jelbislup, and the Kwongdzu; the Scrug, the Twibbit, and the Ulp -- each strange and wonderful zoomate displays its own primary characteristic, described in Gorey's inimitable, droll, rhyming couplets. A writer and artist with an instantly recognizable style, Gorey (American, 1925?2000) created over one hundred works and was also a playwright, an award-winning set and costume designer, and the creator of the animated introduction to the PBS series Mystery!

If you know the story of the Jumblies, that happy-go-lucky clan of sailors in a sieve, then you'll be eager to learn more of their saga in this charming love story?poem, penned by the master of nonsense verse, Edward Lear, and illustrated by the master of brilliant, offbeat images, Edward Gorey. As it turns out, the Jumblies made at least one stop during their long journey, and there, on the Hills of the Chankly Bore, a passionate relationship was born -- between a Jumbly girl and the Dong. The end of the story is sad but sweet, and it stars a nose that can light up a forest, light up the sky! The Dong is some kind of hero, certainly, and he can't help but win our hearts with that protuberant proboscis of his. The Dong with a Luminous Nose is one of the most finely rendered suites of drawings ever created by Edward Gorey. With Edward Lear's irresistible verses, the book is a timeless classic to be enjoyed through generations, by children of all ages, four to eighty-four. Hardcover, b&w.

Edward Lear was a highly respected painter by trade, but today he is perhaps best known for his nonsense poems. His "The Jumblies" had great appeal for Edward Gorey, because, as Gorey said, it "was taught to me by my grandfather when I was four or five, and it has always been one of my favorites. Since Lear himself made only one small drawing for it, it occurred to me that I might illustrate the whole poem." Gorey was so taken with Lear's words that he dedicated his drawings to Foss, Mr. Lear's cat. The crux of the tale is this: the infinitely endearing and always happy Jumblies decide to set sail over rough seas in a sieve, and so they go, despite concerns from their kin who elect to stay home. Are they brave or ridiculous? Perhaps neither; Lear's poem makes a good case for the saying, "Ignorance is bliss." It's impossible not to love Edward Gorey's interpretation of the wee Jumblies, exquisitely rendered in his signature pen-and-ink crosshatching. His twenty pristine drawings combined with Lear's fanciful verse make The Jumblies a perfect delight, and one to revisit, again and again. Hardcover, b&w.

The Doubtful Guest, Amy and Basil Gashlycrumb, Dracula and Lucy, Jumblies, the Great Veiled Bear -- this curious cast of characters joins a slew of other peculiar people and beasts in this big beauty of a book. Thirty large- format reproductions display Edward Gorey's signature crosshatched drawings, elegant watercolors, and endless wit -- all perfect for framing, or to treasure as a collection. This is a brand- new publication, not a remake of Gorey Posters (Abrams, 1979), now long out of print. With eighteen images in full color, Edward Gorey: The New Poster Book presents a refreshing and engaging survey of the genius of this beloved artist.