Re: The Writing style of Clark Ashton Smith
Posted by:
Scott Connors (IP Logged)
Date: 20 April, 2006 07:10PM
While it might be collectible, I can think of any number of other titles that would make a better introduction for the neophyte reader. Still, welcome!
When one speaks of Smith's style, it is important to consider just what type of story he was setting out to write. He used a distinct style for his stf stories, another for his modern horrors, a third for his secondary world tales (and these could vary tremendously, from the brooding sense of impending doom in Zothique to the drolleries of Hyperborea), and a fourth, which I'd call "exercises in deliberate archaism," for tales such as "A Tale of Sir John Maundeville" and "The Ghoul." Smith was very much in control of his writing at all times, and could select from a wide repetoire when he so desired.
Best,
Scott