Amphigorey

Edward Gorey's first compilation book titled Amphigorey, was published in 1972 by G. Putnam's Sons, New York. The book was originally published in a hard cover binding with a matching illustrated dust wrapper. The original price of $12.95 is printed on the inside front flap of the dust jacket. Amphigorey remains in print today and is usually the first step (along with the other three anthologies) in starting a Gorey collection.

On all bibliographies of Mr. Gorey's works, it is stated that there is no physical difference in the first three printings of this book. P. Matthew Monaghan (the person in charge of all things Gorey at Gotham Book Mart when I started collecting) told me that this was actually not the case. On the earliest printings of Amphigorey, the color of the tan is lighter and slightly greenish in tone. This ink color was rejected and corrected, the tan becoming slightly darker and more brown in tone on subsequent printings. I have three first edition copies of Amphigorey (all signed by EG and one copy inscribed to me). One copy (pictured on the left side of the photo) is this lighter, slightly greenish tan color, which is presumably the earliest printing of this title. The other two copies (a first edition, and my signed, limited edition) are the standard tan color. If you click on the photo and view it larger, you can see the color difference. This is not due to any fading or external forces, but is a different color of printed ink. The color difference is more pronounced in person than on the scan.

A special signed/numbered limited edition of 50 slipcased copies was created to celebrate the publication of Amphigorey. There is a colophon page tipped into each copy of the limited edition that is signed and numbered. The black cardboard slipcase also features an illustrated paste-on label. The copies of this book which I have seen all have glue coming through the label. Obviously, an acidic glue was used to paste these labels down. I have had my copy professionally neutralized so the the acids will not continue to deteriorate the label.



Each of the 50 slipcased copies was accompanied by an original ink and water colour drawing of a cat. Each drawing was numbered within the piece of art and the numbers correspond to the number of the book. These drawings were published as Categor y in 1974. I own copy #39 of this special limited edition. The featured cat is wearing a striped sweater with number 39 boldly emblazoned on the chest. The ballet-like pose of the cat is enhanced by the way he nimbly balances on the unsupported green ladder. The drawing is signed in the lower right corner with Mr. Gorey's initials.