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How to Sell Your Edward Gorey Book Art

ByNate D Sanders

To auction, sell or consign your Edward Gorey book art, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

Edward Gorey’s Illustration Career

Edward Gorey illustrated over 100 books, both his own and in collaboration with others. Between between 1953 and 1960 he created cover and interior art for books while working at Doubleday Anchor. Some note-worthy authors he created cover art for include Herman Melville, James Joyce and Joseph Conrad. Although Gorey passed away in 2000, his art continues to be celebrated at the Edward Gorey House and through museum retrospectives.

Edward Gorey Book Art Highlights

Hadrian’s Memoirs – Cover Art Sold for $6,334

Edward Gorey illustrated book covers for Doubleday Anchor between 1953 and the early 1960s. Some of the authors he created book art for include H.G. Wells and T.S. Eliot. We sold original cover art for the acclaimed novel Hadrian’s Memoirs by Marguerite Yourcenar for $6,334. Pen and ink wash artwork measures 4.5 x 7.5 inches. Receipt from the Gotham Book Mart also included.

Black and white illustration of Emperor Hadrian dressed in a loose and draping garment. Gorey signs bottom right.
Click image to enlarge.

The Haunted Looking Glass – Frontispiece Art Sold for $5,225

The Haunted Looking Glass is a collection of classic ghost stories curated by Edward Gorey in 1959. The stories were by notable 19th and 20th century authors and Gorey provided spooky black ad white illustrations for the anthology. We sold an original illustration used as the frontispiece of the collection for $5,225. Artwork measures 4.25 x 6.75 inches and is signed by Gorey on lower left.

Pen and ink illustration of a partially-covered mirror reflecting back a ghostly apparition
Click image to enlarge.

The New York Review Quiz Book – Frontispiece Art Sold for $3,400

The New York Review Quiz Book was a single edition trivia book published in 1986 by the editors of he New York Review of Books. It features word games and puzzles revolving around classic literature and authors. We sold original frontispiece artwork by Edward Gorey for $3,400.

Ink illustration of two people wearing flowy skirts holding ribbon banners. Gorey signs lower right.
Click image to enlarge.

A Song and a Diary for A – Cover Art Sold for $3,125

Richard Elliot’s A Song and a Diary for A is an experimental book of prose done in collaboration with Edward Gorey’s art. Published in 1973 by The Poetry Project, it remains a rare relic of the experimental poetry scene with only 350 trade editions and 26 signed editions produced. Original cover art for A Song and a Diary measures 8.25 x 10.75 inches.

Pen and ink illustration featuring characters cut out of an unfolded box. Gorey signs lower right
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“The Unrest-Cure” – Short Story Art Sold for $3,125

Saki’s short story “The Unrest-Cure” was originally published in his short story collection The Chronicles of Clovis in 1911. The dark story is a satire of middle class narrow-mindedness and features one of Saki’s recurring characters, Clovis Sangrail. We sold an original 3.75 x 7.5 inch illustration from “The Unrest-Cure” for $3,125.

Pen and ink illustration of blonde man in a plaid suit chatting with a man in a dark suit near a staircase. Gorey signs bottom right.
Click image to enlarge.

Thank you for viewing some of our additional Edward Gorey art sales! Please feel free to reach out with any questions or if you’d like to sell your Edward Gorey book art. Our monthly auctions can be viewed at natedsanders.com.