The Star-Treader, and other poems

In "The Star-Treader, and Other Poems," Clark Ashton Smith weaves a tapestry of rich imagery and lyrical beauty, drawing from a unique blend of cosmic wonder and fantastical elements that reflect his profound interest in the mystical and the obscure. This collection showcases Smith's signature Symbolist style, illustrating themes of existentialism, love, and the often unbridgeable chasm between the human experience and the universe. The poems traverse ethereal realms and plunge into deep philosophical musings, showcasing Smith's mastery of the English language while traversing a literary context influenced by contemporaries such as H.P. Lovecraft and the broader Romantic movement, thus establishing a bridge between Romantic emotionalism and modernist experimentation. Clark Ashton Smith, a poet, sculptor, and painter born in 1893, was integral to the literary renaissance of weird fiction in the early 20th century. His diverse creative pursuits and deep appreciation for art and the occult infused his poetry with an imaginative vigor. Smith often explored the boundaries of mortality and the metaphysical, themes that echo throughout this collection and reflect his life experiences in the lush landscapes of California, as well as his connections with contemporaries in the literary scene. For readers who delight in exquisite language and the exploration of esoteric themes, "The Star-Treader, and Other Poems" is an essential addition to any literary collection. Smith'Äôs ability to conjure vivid worlds and profound questions will resonate deeply with those who seek beauty in the intersection of art and philosophy. This volume invites you to step into the cosmos through the eyes of one of the genre's greatest poets.