26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions

by Matthew C. Woodruff

Overview

Matthew Woodruff debuts with this witty and darkly humorous look at Edward Gorey's 26 alphabetized children in The Gashlycrumb Tinies.

If you ever laughed at a dude slipping on a banana peel, even if you rushed to help lift him up - you may be a dark humor afficianado. It turns out the people who most understood and enjoyed dark humor like Edward Gorey's or Tim Burtons were also the most intelligent, educated, least troubled, and least aggressive subjects. Apparently if you're smart and in a manageable emotional state, you're ready for a dark joke. The people least likely to be black-humor fans were the average folks, with medium values for intelligence, education, stability, and aggressiveness. All of which may suggest another reason why people who enjoy dark humor are snickering all the time: We're better than everyone else. (Just joking.)

26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions was awarded the Finalist Prize in the 2019 American Fiction Awards 'Short Stories' Category by American Book Fest.

This is an utterly fascinating and wryly composed collection of short tales inspired by Edward Gorey's alphabetical illustrations in 'The Gashlycrumb Tinies. These darkly humorous tales capture the essence of wit and satire with one tale for each child depicted in Gorey's most famous illustrations. These tales are all about human behavior, characteristics, chance and choice, and life and death. From Mystery to SciFi, from Drama to Fairy Tale and from Adventure to Gothic, this book has something for everyone.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781987094657
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	04/22/2020
Edition description:	Original ed.
Pages:	134
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

With sardonic wit and complete irreverence, Matthew Woodruff is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Woodruff is a master of dark humor and satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.

It is said that Matthew was born with a book in one hand and a pen in the other (his poor mother has never forgiven him but hey, at least it wasn't a typewriter...) Shortly after the release of his first book, Matthew was named 'Author of the Month' by Self Publishers Showcase for September, 2018.

A native New Yorker, Matthew is now on staff at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Matthew is an award winning magazine features writer, editor and publisher. Matthew's vision of the world around us - seen in his dark humor and dark fiction works - is unique and not to be missed.

Editorial Reviews

Woodruff put together a grand collection of dark humor. Each story has a unique look into the depths of dark humor. The author uses imagery, adventure and of course misadventure to bring these stories to life. The characters have a depth that brings the stories individual plots together.

Amy's Book Shelf Reviews - Amy Shannon

I think it was a true work of artistry for the author to take 26 itty-bitty yarns and spin them into one spectacular, albeit grim, multicolored blanket with which to cover oneself on a cold night. From Amy's stumble down the steps to Zillian's death by gin, I couldn't read these tales fast enough, and now I am greatly saddened that it has all ended. Amazingly, I found myself laughing almost as frequently as I sobbed, which is really saying something about Mr. Woodruff's genius.

OnlineBookClub.org - Trina High