I love the work of writer and artist Edward Gorey and so I am glittering with excitement that I’m going to be involved in Something Gorey at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on Friday 22nd August 2025.

I’ll be consulting Edward Gorey’s Fantod Tarot deck and reading the cards for all of you brave enough to find out your destinies as described in Gorey’s inimitable spookily humorous way! It’s going to be such fun, it’s all quite cheeky, poking fun and not to be taken seriously.

The deck itself is described as grim, hilarious and darkly poetic, and consists of 20 cards. I’ll be following the instructions for the spread and using the wonderfully weird and unique interpretations set out in the accompanying Tarot deck booklet.

Gorey’s fantastic macabre wit describes how he purportedly created the Fantod Tarot deck with mystic assistance from Madame Groeda Weyrd. Of the deck itself, Madame Weyrd will only say that its origin may not be divulged…The only known image of Madame Weyrd was captured by Gorey and shown here in the second image below. A mysterious Madame indeed!

So, if you’re brave and silly enough, come and visit me at the event, we can have some silly, spooky fun with a reading! Something Gorey This Way Comes…

Event Details: Something Gorey

From Maurice Sendak to Edward Scissorhands, the late Edward Gorey’s surreal and gothic fingers are all over a particular corner of 20th century art. We celebrate the iconic American illustrator and writer’s centenary with Gregory Hischak – the director of the Edward Gorey House in Massachusetts and author of the forthcoming E is for Edward who will share insights into Gorey. Chaired by Hannah McGill with New Media Scotland.

Tickets are £15.50/ £10.50 and available to buy here: Edinburgh Book Festival Tickets