About this episode
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 show 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