From the Gorey to creepy-crawling Creeley lurking in us all, this week staffers have been possessed by the Halloween spirit.
Andi’s Pick:
Edward Gorey’s “Gashlycrumb Tinies” is perhaps his most famous book and captures both his morbid sense of humor and the distinct drawing style that has become his signature. The book is an abecedarian tale of the deaths of 26 children (the alphabet follows their names). It is written in rhyming couplets and the untimely ends of each of the characters ranges from absurd (ennui) to frightening (axes and thugs).
The most well-known of the illustrations in the book is that of the 26 children huddled around death itself as it holds an umbrella above them. Although the book is certainly dark, it is difficult not to get a small giggle out of the paired couplets and pictures, at least if your sense of humor matches that of Mr. Gorey.
Caitlin’s Pick:
Just in time for Halloween, I’ve caught up on my Robert Creeley reading. Maybe you’re thinking: Creeley=Halloween=Spooky? Really? Really.
Some of Creeley’s early work, in particular, “Gold Diggers,” features husbands who wait day by day for the death of their wives and feel nothing, lovers who spare no emotional attachment for their partners. It’s Creeley’s ability to fashion a disturbing image in such a way that makes you wonder what served as his muse for these stories. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am a perilous admirer of Creeley’s work, especially his love poems, but if you’re looking for a little taste of jeepers creepers that will follow you through the night this Halloween, I’d suggest a story or two from Creeley.
Gwynne’s Pick:
If you’re anything like me when it comes to Halloween, you’ve been talking about ghouls and ghosts and cryptozoological phenomena for weeks, only now realizing that the Big Day draws close and you still haven’t decorated your digs or found the perfect costume. Never fear: the Green Halloween Guide is here. This handy article offers quick, easy, and less wasteful ways to spiff up your home and person so that you’re ready to spook the mess out of grade school angels. The Daily Green also offers ten tips on how to “green” yo’ Halloween.