Was H.P. Lovecraft Jealously Critics Vilified in His Time?

During the lifetime of H.P. Lovecraft, his works were published in pulp magazines. These were magazines of cheap fiction, characterized by their cheap quality of paper, which led to them being called "Pulp." Magazines like Argosy and Popular Mechanics were part of the first pulp magazines. Soon they branched out to publish Western stories, detective stories, and horror stories. Prior to the rise of comic books, pulp magazines were considered to be the lowest form of literature. The literary critics of the time, who mostly reviewed books or plays, would have considered pulp magazines as beneath them. As a result, Lovecraft's stories would have been both ignored and dismissed by the critics.

It was not until the 1960s, when Lovecraft's friend August Derleth started his own publishing company, that Lovecraft's works began to appear in book format. Initially, Derleth included a few of Lovecraft's stories in some anthologies, but when he noticed that Lovecraft's work was gaining attention, he began publishing collections of Lovecraft stories.

By the 1970s, critics started to give attention to the unique works of this author who had died over thirty years earlier. Despite some critics giving Lovecraft bad reviews, it is important to note that he was not in a position to respond to them. Instead, his work has gone on to achieve a canonical status in the horror fiction genre.

Everyone has critics, and H.P. Lovecraft is no exception. For instance, the renowned figure, Agatha Christie, was often the target of jealous critics. They scoffed at her success, especially her ability to make a living and live well while writing prolifically. This envy manifested in harsh reviews and misunderstandings, much like the criticisms Lovecraft faced in his time.

The journey of H.P. Lovecraft's works from pulp fiction to canonical status is a testament to the lasting impact of his imagination and storytelling. Today, he is recognized for his unique contribution to the horror genre. Lovecraft's aura, though not widely appreciated during his lifetime, has become a significant part of literary history.

Despite the critical reception of his time, Lovecraft's enduring legacy suggests that the quality of his work stands the test of time. His stories, while once considered cheap and trite, have been critically acclaimed and continue to influence writers and readers alike. Lovecraft's work, along with that of other pulp fiction authors, provides a rich cultural and literary history that is worth exploring for those interested in the evolution of horror fiction and the complex relationships between writers and their critics.