Clark Ashton Smith was a poet, sculptor, painter, and author of fantasy, horror, and science fiction short stories. He is primarily remembered for these stories and his literary friendship with H. P. Lovecraft. Alongside Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard, Smith remains one of the most famous contributors to the pulp magazine Weird Tales. His work is characterized by a rich vocabulary and imaginative worlds.
Set against a backdrop of a nascent nation grappling with its identity, the narrative explores themes of growth and resilience. The story unfolds during a tumultuous period marked by conflict, highlighting the journey of a country striving to mature and unify. Central to the plot is the evolving spirit of the American people, as they embrace their potential and assert their individuality with the empowering affirmation, "I am, and I can."
The Complete California Tales of Clark Ashton Smith
Clark Ashton Smith, a lifelong Californian from Auburn, drew inspiration from the Sierra Nevada's beauty to craft his imaginative worlds. His works transport readers to fantastical realms like Zothique, Averoigne, Hyperborea, and Xiccarph, reflecting an otherworldly essence that suggests he belonged to a universe beyond our own. Smith's unique blend of local influence and cosmic creativity sets him apart as a significant figure in speculative fiction.
Clark Ashton Smith is celebrated for his imaginative fantasy worlds, including the futuristic Zothique, the icy Hyperborea, and the medieval Averoigne. However, his significant contributions to science fiction are often overlooked; his stories were featured prominently in influential pulp magazines like Wonder Stories and Amazing Stories, shaping the genre during his time. Smith's unique blend of fantasy and science fiction showcases his pioneering spirit and enduring impact on literature.
The Astrophil and Stella sonnet sequence by Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586) was one of the most famous and influential collections of poems published during the entire English Renaissance. Sidney was deeply admired, both as a poet and as a man, by Ben Jonson, who also had close ties to other members of the Sidney family. Jonson's respect for Sidney's character and writings was shared by almost everyone at the time. It therefore seems appropriate to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Ben Jonson Journal by publishing this detailed, comprehensive, poem-by-poem analysis of Sidney's collection. Jonathan Smith explores each poem individually, discusses the themes and techniques they share, does so in clear, straightforward language, and thus makes Astrophil and Stella more accessible to scholars, students, and general readers.
This collection features a series of classical poems that have held significance throughout history. Alpha Editions aims to preserve these works for future generations by republishing them in a modern format. The book has been carefully reformatted and retyped, ensuring clarity and readability, rather than relying on scanned copies of the original texts.
Set in the mythical land of Zothique, this collection showcases Clark Ashton Smith's most intricate fantasy realm, characterized by its lush decadence and eerie allure. The stories, beginning with "The Empire of the Necromancers" and concluding with the short play "The Dead Will Cuckold You," explore themes of strangeness and sexuality, each narrative enriching the tapestry of this evocative world. Smith's masterful storytelling weaves a unique and haunting atmosphere, making Zothique a standout in fantasy literature.
Clark Ashton Smith, a prominent figure in the early 20th-century literary scene, was known for his contributions to weird fiction, poetry, and art. His works often blend elements of fantasy, horror, and science fiction, showcasing imaginative worlds and richly detailed prose. Smith's unique style and exploration of cosmic themes set him apart from his contemporaries, influencing generations of writers and artists. His legacy includes a diverse range of stories that delve into the surreal and the macabre, inviting readers into his vividly crafted universes.
Exploring fantasy, terror, and the supernatural, this collection showcases the poetic brilliance of Clark Ashton Smith, regarded as a significant poet of the twentieth century. The volume, curated by editors S. T. Joshi and David E. Schultz, features a diverse selection of Smith's work, highlighting his exotic language, imaginative depth, and metrical skill. This marks the first major gathering of his poetry in over thirty years, providing readers with a comprehensive look at his unique literary contributions.
