The Unstrung Harp

by Edward Gorey

Book Overview

On November 18th of alternate years Mr Earbrass begins writing 'his new novel.' Weeks ago he chose its title at random from a list of them he keeps in a little green note-book. It being tea-time of the 17th, he is alarmed not to have thought of a plot to which The Unstrung Harp might apply, but his mind will keep reverting to the last biscuit on the plate." So begins what the Times Literary Supplement called "a small masterpiece." TUH is a look at...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0151004358
• ISBN13: 9780151004355
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

from a writer to writers about a writer

The Unstrung Harp, Or, Mr. Earbrass Writes a Novel is a book about writing a book. If you have ever written and published (or tried to publish) a book, you will think every word and picture in The Unstrung Harp is hilarious. Gorey perfectly captures every frustration an author faces as well as most of the odd character quirks every writer seems to share. If you are not a writer, this is still a funny book and will give you insight into the minds of (though I say so myself) a peculiar people.

the dark world of a writer

"In the blue horror of dawn the vines in the carpet appear likely to begin twining up his ankles." Although I haven't attempted to publish my books, as a writer I can understand some of Mr. Earbrass's tribulations while he experiences the realm of his own novel. Although it is a humorous story, for the most part I find "The Unstrung Harp" moving, passionate, and honest. Earbrass is a heroic solipsist descending into his own mind to survive, at the same time offering up what he finds there for public scrutiny. I wish I could read his famous Hipdeep Trilogy. (And don't forget that Gorey's illustrations are beautiful.)

It's back! A classic of life's little frustrations.

I grew up with this book, but tragically lost it a few years ago. Now it is finally available again. The story of Mr. Earbrass struggling with every phase of writing a book is a classic of wry humor with non-sequiturs at every turn. The illustrations (drawn actual size) are even more of an attraction than the story. Be sure to look for the distant hot-air balloon in one illustration, and what happens to the fantod under glass. What's a fantod? Read the book to see one! I also recommend this book for developing childrens' sense of humor, although I found the long-headed people and oblique references to English place names a bit difficult to understand when I was six.

Gorey's First Book and Masterpiece

This is a reissue of Gorey's first book, which has much more text and a more conventional and linear storyline than many others that followed. However, don't be put off. All the Gorey trademarks are here in full bloom: the illustrations are ravishing in their detail, the text is very funny and absurd, and the story about the agonies of creativity is wonderfully comic in its depictions of the writer's life. This is my favorite Gorey book, bar none.