The Beast of Averoigne by Clark Ashton Smith

Classic Ghost Stories

Clark Ashton Smith (1893–1961) was an American writer and artist known for his unique contributions to literature and art.
- Born on January 13, 1893, in Long Valley, California, Smith came from a family of English and New England heritage.
- He spent most of his life in Auburn, California, where he lived in a cabin built by his parents, Fanny and Timeus Smith.
- Due to psychological disorders, Smith's formal education was limited, and he was taught at home after attending eight years of grammar school.
- Smith was an insatiable reader with an extraordinary eidetic memory, and he read voraciously, including works by Edgar Allan Poe, Hans Christian Andersen, and others.
- He even read the entire 11th edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica twice.
- Smith's early literary efforts included fairy tales and imitations of the Arabian Nights, which he began writing at the age of 11.
- He sold several tales to "The Black Cat," a magazine specializing in unusual stories, at the age of 17.
- Smith's poetic talents blossomed, leading to acclaimed volumes like "The Star-Treader and Other Poems" and "Odes and Sonnets."
- He was mentored by San Francisco poet George Sterling and gained international acclaim for his poetry.
**Weird Fiction Phase: 1926–1935**
- Smith transitioned to weird fiction during this period, possibly influenced by H.P. Lovecraft.
- He created a plethora of imaginative creatures and wrote stories set in various fictional lands like Averoigne, Hyperborea, and Zothique.
**Sculpture Period: 1935–1961**
- Smith's interest in fiction waned, and he turned to sculpture, primarily using soft rock materials like soapstone.
**Notable Literary Friendships:**
- Smith was a part of the Lovecraft circle and had a lasting literary friendship with H.P. Lovecraft.
- He corresponded with fellow writers like Robert E. Howard and E. Hoffmann Price.
**Legacy and Unique Contributions:**
- Clark Ashton Smith's work is celebrated for its rich vocabulary, cosmic perspective, and sardonic humor.
- His weird fiction has been compared to the Dying Earth sequence of Jack Vance.
- Smith's writing style aimed to captivate readers by using a variety of stylistic resources, akin to incantations.
**Later Life and Marriage:**
- In 1954, at the age of 61, Smith married Carol(yn) Jones Dorman, a woman with experience in Hollywood and radio public relations.
- They lived in Pacific Grove, California, and Smith continued sculpting during this period.
**Passing and Legacy:**
- In 1961, Smith passed away quietly in his sleep at the age of 68.
- His ashes were buried near his childhood home, and plaques recognizing his contributions have been erected in Auburn, California.
Clark Ashton Smith's life was marked by a fascinating blend of artistic pursuits, from poetry and weird fiction to sculpture. His imaginative worlds and unique style continue to captivate readers and stand as a testament to his enduring legacy in the realms of literature and art.

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