H.P. Lovecraft’s Esteem for Edgar Allan Poe and Lord Dunsany

H.P. Lovecraft, the celebrated American writer and the architect of the cosmic horror genre, was deeply influenced by several literary figures. Among them, Edgar Allan Poe and Lord Dunsany held a special place in his heart and work. Lovecraft’s admiration for these authors can be clearly discerned in his writings and correspondence, particularly in his essay “Supernatural Horror in Literature.”

Edgar Allan Poe

Lovecraft held Edgar Allan Poe in particularly high regard, considering him one of the most notable American writers of weird fiction. Poe’s unique ability to evoke horror and the macabre through atmospheric writing and profound psychological depth was deeply admired by Lovecraft. In his essay “Supernatural Horror in Literature,” Lovecraft dedicates an entire chapter to Poe, highlighting his influence on the genre. Lovecraft viewed Poe as a true pioneer in weird fiction, and it was rare to find a work by Lovecraft without a citation or reference to Poe’s pioneering spirit.

Lord Dunsany

In addition to Poe, Lovecraft drew significant inspiration from Lord Dunsany, a prolific writer known for his imaginative world-building and poetic style. Dunsany’s ability to create rich and fantastical settings resonated deeply with Lovecraft, inspiring him to develop his own mythos. Lovecraft’s admiration for Dunsany is evident in his correspondence, where he frequently acknowledged Dunsany’s profound impact on the landscape of fantasy and weird fiction. Lovecraft’s own stories, especially those featuring Cthulhu and his cosmic horrors, bear the stamp of Dunsany’s imaginative creativity.

The Intersection of Poe, Dunsany, and Lovecraft

The influence of Poe and Dunsany on Lovecraft was not just a matter of aesthetic appreciation; it was a deep, fundamental part of his creative process. Poe’s atmospheric horror and psychological depth, as well as Dunsany’s rich world-building and poetic style, were crucial in shaping the bizarre and cosmic tales that Lovecraft became famous for. Lovecraft’s work often referenced or alluded to Poe, and he frequently cited Dunsany in his correspondence and essays, highlighting their significant contributions to the genres of horror and fantasy.

Through his writings and letters, Lovecraft expressed his admiration for both Poe and Dunsany, recognizing their essential role in developing the foundational elements of weird fiction and cosmic horror. Both authors served not only as inspirations for Lovecraft but also as benchmarks against which he measured the quality of his own work.

Conclusion

In summary, H.P. Lovecraft’s esteem for Edgar Allan Poe and Lord Dunsany is unequivocal. These authors not only influenced Lovecraft’s writing but also helped shape his understanding of the genres of horror and fantasy. Their legacies continue to resonate through the works of Lovecraft and those who have come after him.