Confessions of a Bibliophile

My obsession continues to grow...

Since starting this page my interests in the kind of books I collect has definitely evolved.

My collection began with Virginia Woolf, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Edgar Allan Poe and various books on poetry. As you well know, my interests were to eventually include the numerous works of Edward Gorey; too numerous for this blog which is why I felt the need to devote a blog entirely to Edward Gorey. I have a long way to go to complete my Gorey collection but all good things take time, and money.

As much as I love older, more weathered books, I decided that I wanted to start collecting works from some of the more modern authors/illustrators that I was becoming interested in. So I have since ventured into a wider collection including, but not limited to, children's books, such authors/illustrators  as Lemony Snicket & Brett Helguist, Philip Ardagh (who I just happened to bump into in Third Place Books in Seattle by some strange twist of fate), Gris Grimly, and Roman Dirge.

I am overwhelmed by the endless stream of talented and creative people whose books I must now collect...here is just a small sample of their work to entice you.

This is Eddie, just one of the many interesting characters created by Philip Ardagh.

This illustration is of 'Ruby Gloom' by the creative genius Gris Grimly, as is the image here of 'Lulu and puppy'.

Literary brilliance of Virginia Woolf

I have decided to add Virginia Woolf to my book collecting frenzy, yes, some days it is a lot like a frenzy of sorts. It is like that old saying, the calm before the storm. All I know is one minute everything is calm, no problems, and then, in a flash, I have decided to check out something by Virginia Woolf. One thing leads to another, and the next thing I know I am possessed by the urge to collect all the books I want, need, can afford by Virginia Woolf, for my collection. Of course this is impossible. Really, I don't want every single book that has ever been printed, just all of her titles, preferably first editions. But due to the fact that I do not have thousands of dollars to spend on one book, I must settle for first editions of later publishings or first editions that may be a little rough around the edges.

Hey, maybe I am just slightly obsessive compulsive? But it is impossible not to be obsessed after reading anything by Ms. Woolf who had the power to memorize and export one to another world; the world where her characters reside.

I know that after reading about the successful suicide attempt of Virginia Woolf, I feel that I need to do something to honor her. As I read and collect her books I feel that in some way I am making her death amount to something. Yes, this may sound crazy and it is horrible to think of her dying in vain, although her literary genius should and most definitely does count for something. But even this is irrelevant, as it does not make it any easier for those who lost the presence of someone who contributed so much to the literary world. The demand for her books within the world of the bibliophile is awe-inspiring. I really wish she was here to see the full impact that her work has had on the world. I also wish that she could have found a solution to the psychologically and spiritual disarray that she experienced while alive.

May you finally rest in peace Virginia.

Oh, what glory, Edward Gorey

I have since decided to add Edward Gorey to my collection of rare books. I have been concentrating my efforts on such authors as; Bram Stoker, Virginia Woolf, Edgar Allan Poe and Margaret Atwood. This may not sound like much but when you anticipate that the aim is to collect most, if not all, of the first edition copies of each author's book, then that is a great deal.

At the moment I have three of Gorey's wonderful, yet quirky little books. One is a first edition but the others are later copies which I bought just for the sake of owning anything by Edward Gorey. I also prefer to have some newer editions for my reading enjoyment as I do so worry while reading some of my more collectible books.

I remember the day we met, or should I say I stumbled upon Gorey's work. I picked up a later edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula at Half Price Books in Capital Hill. After arriving home I noticed that the book had some wonderful illustrations throughout, these were done by Edward Gorey, of course.

I then did some research and found that Edward Gorey has quite the cult following. With his strangely enticing characters, dark depictions of life and his macabre humour I had no choice but to be enthralled by him.

Just a taste of Goreyography:

"A is for Amy who fell down the stairs. B is for Basil assaulted by bears. C is for Clara who wasted away. D is for Desmond thrown out of a sleigh..." from The Gashlycrumb Tinies.