A new book titled *From Ted to Tom* collects the illustrated envelopes that Edward Gorey (1925-2000) sent to his friend Tom Fitzharris between 1974 and 1975. The envelopes are adorned with Gorey's trademark surreal drawings, often featuring a pair of dogs wearing clothing with the letter 'T,' representing the two correspondents. The volume includes excerpts from 50 letters, along with witty annotations, tactile design elements, and quotes from writers Gorey admired, offering a glimpse into his personal and artistic life.
This publication matters because it highlights a rarely preserved form of correspondence where the envelopes themselves become the main artistic attraction. The letters and illustrations reveal Gorey's anxieties, passions, and philosophies, as argued by biographer Mark Dery, and provide an intimate, moving portrait of a friendship that deeply influenced the artist. The book underscores how ephemeral, everyday materials can offer profound insight into a creative mind, expanding the understanding of Gorey's legacy beyond his published books.