FORGOTTEN BOOKS #30: THE MAZE OF THE ENCHANTER By Clark Ashton Smith

Clark Ashton Smith wrote incredible tales, mostly for Weird Tales, in the 1930s. Most of these stories have been out-of-print for years. Night Shade Books has done a wonderful job restoring these classics. The Maze of the Enchanter is the fourth volume of Clark Ashton Smith short stories to appear in as many years. Edited by Scott Connors and Ron Hilger, many of these stories are appearing in their original form for the first time (they were heavily edited when first published). “Genius Loci,” “The Dark Eidolon,” and “The Weaver in the Vaults” and 17 other stories are included in this volume. The restorations show the full brilliance of Clark Ashton Smith’s unique style in these tales. Gahan Wilson provides an insightful INTRODUCTION. If you love great writing and tales with a sense of wonder, The Maze of the Enchanter delivers.

4 thoughts on “FORGOTTEN BOOKS #30: THE MAZE OF THE ENCHANTER By Clark Ashton Smith

    1. george Post author

      You would enjoy these classic stories, Patti. And Night Shade Books does a great job with the cover and the packaging. I try to support small presses who put out such great books!

      Reply
  1. Drongo

    I’ve always found something unpleasant and unsettling Smith’s tales. I even think Smith himself was a little creepy.

    Maybe that’s why the stories are so effective. That and the language. No one else ever quite wrote like he did.

    I recently found all four of the early 70’s Ballantine editions of his work, with their gorgeous covers and pleasing smells. I paid $10 for the lot, and was immensely pleased with myself for the rest of the day.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Great book buying story, Drongo! I had all those Ballantine editions, too. Now they reside at SUNY at Buffalo. But the Night Shade editions restore plenty of cuts and if you want the full effect of Clark Ashton Smith you’ll have to check out these new volumes. The same unsettling feeling can be found in Jack Vance’s work. When you read THIS IS ME, JACK VANCE you’ll know what I mean.

      Reply

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