Book · 1953 · Authorship
The unstrung harp, or, Mr. Earbrass writes a novel
Why people recommend it
The unstrung harp, or, Mr. Earbrass writes a novel by Edward Gorey is a whimsical, satirical illustrated novella that follows the eccentric novelist Mr. C. Coursen Earbrass as he struggles through the agonizing process of writing a new book. The text has drawn praise and discussion from literary commentators on The Book Review. Host Gilbert Cruz mentioned Edward Gorey's work multiple times across different episodes, noting at the conclusion of one discussion that he intended to reread the book immediately. He also reflected on his personal history with the text, recalling that it was assigned to him in a college class and noting that it was the first book published by Gorey under his own name. Furthermore, Cruz brought up the novella while conversing with Alison Bechdel about her graphic novel Spent, observing that his own book served as an extended riff on Gorey's distinctive creation. Through these discussions, the book emerges as a enduringly fascinating touchstone for readers interested in the meta-fictional anxieties of authorship, artistic creation, and the uniquely macabre yet playful aesthetic that defined Edward Gorey's legendary literary career.
Who recommended it
- Gilbert Cruz Recommended
Gilbert Cruz — 3 mentions
“This book spent is an extended riff on Gory's first illustrated novel, The Unrung Harp.”
“and then when I was in college I took a class and the unstrung harp was assigned to us the unstrung harp Edward gory's first published book or first published book under his own name”
“I'm going to go and reread the unstrung harp right now”