Edward Lear’s beloved nonsense poem The Jumblies found its perfect visual counterpart in the distinctive illustrations of Edward Gorey, creating a cherished edition that has delighted readers since its initial publication in 1968. The book brings to life Lear’s whimsical tale of the adventurous Jumblies, fantastical creatures with green heads and blue hands who embark on a daring sea voyage in a sieve, much to the concern of their more cautious friends who remain on shore.
Gorey’s connection to the material was deeply personal. As he himself noted, the poem was taught to him by his grandfather when he was a child, and it remained a lifelong favorite. Recognizing that Lear had only made a single small drawing for his own poem, Gorey saw an opportunity to provide a fuller visual interpretation. His dedication to the project was such that he even inscribed the drawings to Foss, the name of Lear’s own beloved cat. This personal investment is evident on every page, as Gorey’s signature pen-and-ink crosshatching brings a unique warmth and fragility to the wee Jumblies .
Published in various editions over the years—including a notable 1982 version from Methuen and a 1996 edition from Pomegranate —the book typically features around twenty to twenty-two black-and-white illustrations. Gorey’s artwork does more than simply depict the narrative; it captures the poem’s inherent blend of humor, adventure, and underlying poignancy. The Jumblies are rendered as endearing, somewhat fragile figures, whose joyous “hi-ho-the-merry-o” rings out amidst the wind and waves. Critics have praised Gorey’s interpretation for releasing the story from its words, finding in his Jumblies a company that is both warmly amusing and memorably delicate . The book remains a perfect introduction to the work of both artists, a testament to the harmonious marriage of Lear’s fanciful verse and Gorey’s meticulously crafted, atmospheric drawings.
