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jeffhall's review
3.0
This large volume of collected (not selected!) correspondence is intimidating at first, given its large size and comprehensive nature. And it does start rather slowly, as Smith and Derleth write to each other about the humdrum details of pulp fiction publishing in the first half of the twentieth century.
But things get more interesting beginning with the letters from the late 1930's as Derleth moved to found Arkham House publishers, and began to converse with Smith about how to preserve his literary legacy. There are also many references to Smith's sculptural work in stone, of which Derleth was a fan and collector.
And to round things out, the book contains excerpts from letters between Derleth and Smith's wife (the former Carol Jones Dorman) that encompass Smith's passing in 1961. These letters reveal Carol's true dedication to Smith, the man and the artist, and make an excellent coda to this volume.
But things get more interesting beginning with the letters from the late 1930's as Derleth moved to found Arkham House publishers, and began to converse with Smith about how to preserve his literary legacy. There are also many references to Smith's sculptural work in stone, of which Derleth was a fan and collector.
And to round things out, the book contains excerpts from letters between Derleth and Smith's wife (the former Carol Jones Dorman) that encompass Smith's passing in 1961. These letters reveal Carol's true dedication to Smith, the man and the artist, and make an excellent coda to this volume.
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