In his introduction to “Best Supernatural Stories of H. P. Lovecraft”, August Derleth states: “It has been said of “The Outsider” that if the manuscript had been put forward as an unpublished tale by Edgar Allan Poe, none would have challenged it.” Perhaps this is not literally true, but I agree with the spirit of it. “The Outsider” is one of Lovecraft’s finest stories. It possesses the merit of compression; with rising intensity it achieves its single shuddery effect—and ends. Some aspects of this story call to mind Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death”; both stories achieve their effects with a minimum of wordage, both linger in the mind.
“Pickman’s Model” is one of Lovecraft’s strongest stories. It has unity of effect, suspense, a highly original plot idea, and a climax which neatly and forcefully ends the story. It is not quite as tightly knit as “The Music of Erich Zann” or “The Outsider”, but it is still Lovecraft writing at his top-level best. The “nameless blasphemy with glaring red eyes” gnawing at a human head would probably feel at home in one of those unspeakable grottos under the infamous walls of Exham Priory!
I have mentioned Lovecraft’s “The Hound” because it has remained in my mind after I first read it many years ago. Its structure is somewhat slight and it does not have the power of Lovecraft’s very best tales, but it has splendid atmosphere and, again, brevity and unity of effect. It might have been written by the early Poe. But I cite it primarily because it has lingered long in my mind.
The limitations of this little critique do not permit me to touch on many other good Lovecraft stories. I have mentioned only five which I think are the best. I am merely expressing a personal opinion—a personal taste—and I am more than willing to admit of other opinions—no matter how they may differ from my own. Time alone will decide who is right!
I have not yet seen all of Lovecraft’s poetry, but I think I have seen enough to comment briefly. Much of the poetry falls into two main categories: deliberately archaic work imitative of eighteenth-century verse, and a group of weird sonnets known as “Fungi from Yuggoth.” The imitative verse is interesting and often competent, but I think the “Fungi” sonnets are far more arresting and effective. A few of the very best of them may survive.
Any criticism of Lovecraft’s work, no matter how brief, would be incomplete if it omitted mention of his famous essay, “Supernatural Horror in Literature.” Even Edmund Wilson concedes that the essay is “a really able piece of work.” In my pamphlet, “H. P. Lovecraft: A Bibliography”, I commented: “The background and evolution of the horror tale—a “must” for anyone seriously interested in the genre.” The comment still holds. Apart from the letters, I think it is probably the finest piece of non-fiction which Lovecraft ever wrote.
Judging from the few letters and extracts from letters which are in print, Lovecraft’s “Selected Letters” (or “Collected”) will definitely enhance his reputation. It is probable that their publication will revive and intensify interest in both the man and his work. Lovecraft’s erudition, humor and style is such that it is even possible they will eventually tend to eclipse his other work! At this point we can only wait and see.
Lovecraft’s final place in American literature has not yet been determined. It is too early for that. But it seems certain that the very best of his work will endure, that it will remain important in the particular field which he chose. If he did not reach the summits attained by Poe, or Bierce, at his best he scaled some dizzy heights.
This is an edition of 75 copies.
This is copy number:
30