The Haunted Looking Glass
Edward Gorey illustrates his favorite classic ghost stories in this curated anthology.
This compilation presents Edward Gorey’s personal selection of supernatural tales, accompanied by his characteristic black and white drawings. The work focuses on traditional horror elements such as haunted houses and cursed objects. Gorey chooses narratives that rely on mood and implication rather than shock value. The text includes well-known works like The Monkey’s Paw and Casting the Runes alongside lesser-known pieces by authors such as R.H. Malden and Tom Hood. The collection highlights the enduring appeal of British ghost stories from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Gorey’s illustrations provide a visual counterpoint to the written word, enhancing the eerie tone of each narrative. The book serves as a guide to the types of horror that Gorey found most compelling, offering insight into his literary tastes through both text and image.
Published in 2001 by New York Review of Books, this volume draws on the British Gothic tradition. It features authors like Charles Dickens and Bram Stoker, connecting to late Victorian and Edwardian horror literature.
📝 Description: The Haunted Looking Glass
💎 Our verdict on The Haunted Looking Glass
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers who appreciate the subtle art of implication and mood will find this collection deeply rewarding. It offers a unique dual experience by pairing Edward Gorey’s distinctive black-and-white illustrations with his personal selection of spectral narratives. This combination provides insight into Gorey’s literary tastes while enhancing the eerie tone of each tale. Those interested in the British Gothic tradition, from Charles Dickens to Bram Stoker, will gain a curated guide to the horror elements that defined an era. The book is ideal for those who prefer atmospheric dread and cursed objects over shock value or graphic violence.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Edward Gorey’s curated anthology succeeds by marrying his iconic visual style with a carefully chosen roster of supernatural tales. The collection excels in maintaining a consistent tone of atmospheric dread, relying on mood rather than explicit gore to unsettle the reader. By including well-known works alongside lesser-known pieces, it offers both familiarity and discovery for fans of classic horror. The illustrations provide a vital counterpoint to the text, enhancing the narrative without overshadowing it. This volume is best suited for readers who enjoy late Victorian and Edwardian traditions, offering a refined entry point into the world of British ghost stories.
📖 Read on the blog
📖 From the series “New York Review Books Classics”
🏛 Books from this publisher New York Review of Books
You might also like
See more →
Have a question about this item?
Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.
