Nursery Frieze - signed by Edward Gorey

Fantod Press - 15 Two - 1964

This is a much sought after Gorey book, in part because of its unusually small size and proportions, partly because it's full of wonderfully enigmatic illustrations and words, but also because it's just so delicate and rare, having been printed in a run of only 500 copies.

The copy I'm showing here has been signed by Edward Gorey - very uncommon.

As the title says, the illustrations in this little book were designed as a frieze to wrap around the walls of a child's bedroom. Did anyone ever enlarge these drawings and actually bring a baby up in its nursery with this strange creature and all these outlandish words? Obloquy - Badigeon - Catafalque - Samisen - etc.

The book has a second title - 15 Two. This is an allusion to the fact that it was Gorey's fifteenth published book, but the second under his own imprint, The Fantod Press. Published in 1964.

This book is in great condition with no stains or creases.

I will be listing this for auction on eBay from around August 31st, though I welcome any interest before then. Expect a low starting price of about £275 or $450.