The Beast of Averoigne by Clark Ashton Smith

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.
New Patreon Request
Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE
Support the showVisit us here: www.ghostpod.orgBuy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalkerIf you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcudMusic by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

New Patreon Request

Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! 
Start for FREE

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices