The Just Dessert, Thoughtful Alphabet XI by Edward Gorey was published in 1997 by the Fantod Press. Printed in a signed, limited edition of 750 numbered and 26 lettered (A to Z) copies, I am showing copies #12/750 and Q/26. 
The title does not appear on the cover of the book, only "XI". This book is included in Amphigorey Again.The Just Dessert is the first book written and hand illustrated by Edward Gorey since The Unknown Vegetable in 1995. Mr. Gorey's publications between these titles were illustrated with clip art and were published in postcard or poster formats.
The Just Dessert marks a decided turn in Mr. Gorey's signature drawing style. The illustrations are simpler and less refined, and this look will become his drawing style from this point forward. The simplification of his drawing style can be related to both Mr. Gorey's age and also to his increasing interest in theater work. During this time, much of his time and interest was on his theatrical endeavors. The characters in The Just Dessert strongly resemble Mr. Gorey's hand made puppets, and the format of the drawings for this book look like a puppet stage.Below, I am showing the announcement card which was sent out by Gotham Book Mart.
I have sometimes wondered whether this late style of Gorey’s was in some ways influenced by some of the work of the English Illustrator Edward Bawden, whom Gorey is quoted as admiring.
ReplyDeleteThere is something in the simplistic (naïve?) line drawings that mirrors some of the simpler work of Bawden (not perfect examples of what I am saying, but here are close examples:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7769631@N04/467225031/,
http://allthingsconsidered.co.uk/2009/11/a-new-edward-bawden-print.html,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36844288@N00/4222552063/ and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36844288@N00/4629049995/)