Showing results by author "Clark Ashton Smith" in All Categories

On the continent of Zothique, beneath the dying sun of a withering Earth, the sorcerer Namirrha devises a scheme of revenge powerful enough to shatter an entire empire. His reputation is dark, his allies fearsome beings from hell, but his goal is singular: to confront Emperor Zotulla, the one who, years before, condemned Namirrha—then a beggar boy named Narthos—to a life of degradation. Now he returns under the cloak of night, prepared for a reckoning that may shake the heavens and earth alike.

In a world where the sun dims over the last continent, Zothique, two exiled necromancers—Mmatmuor and Sodosma—seek to create their empire in a kingdom of the dead. Driven from Tinarath, they journey to the deserted land of Cincor, where plague has left only bones and mummies behind. Using forbidden spells, they raise the dead to serve their dark will, constructing an undead empire of forced labor and eerie splendor. Yet, deep in this kingdom, a spark of rebellion stirs among the dead.

Published in chronological order, with extensive story and bibliographic notes, this series not only provides access to stories that have been out of print for years, but gives them a historical and social context. Series editors Scott Conners and Ronald S. Hilger excavated the still-existing manuscripts, letters and various published versions of the stories, creating a definitive "preferred text" for Smith's entire body of work.

The Last Hieroglyph is the fifth of the five-volume Collected Fantasies series. Editors Scott Connors and Ron Hilger have compared original manuscripts, various typescripts, published editions, and Smith's notes and letters, in order to prepare a definitive set of texts. The Last Hieroglyph includes, in chronological order, all of Clark Ashton Smith's stories from "The Dark Age" to "The Dart of Rasasfa".

This series presents Clark Ashton Smith's fiction chronologically, based on composition rather than publication. Editors Scott Connors and Ron Hilger have compared original manuscripts, various typescripts, published editions, and Smith's notes and letters in order to prepare a definitive set of texts. The Maze of the Enchanter includes, in chronological order, all of his stories from The Mandrakes (February, 1933) to The Flower-Women (May, 1935). This volume also features an introduction and extensive notes on each story.

Fifteen nautical nightmares: from the discovery and subsequent investigation of a mysterious vessel in The Derelict, to the terrifying ordeal of a lighthouse keeper stationed at the remote Three Skeleton Key...

Published in chronological order, with extensive story and bibliographic notes, this series not only provides access to stories that have been out of print for years, but gives them a historical and social context. Series editors Scott Conners and Ronald S. Hilger excavated the still-existing manuscripts, letters and various published versions of the stories, creating a definitive "preferred text" for Smith's entire body of work. This second volume of the series brings together 20 of his fantasy stories.

We’ve recorded some 400+ stories since 2015 here at HorrorBabble. This collection comprises some of our very favorites. From Blackwood's evocative "The Transfer", through to Smith's terrifying visit to the vaults of Yoh-Vombis, there’s something here to strike fear into the heart of any horror enthusiast....

In the depths of human imagination lies a realm where ancient gods stir in their slumbers, where forbidden knowledge teeters on the edge of consciousness, and where cosmic horror casts its suffocating veil over reality. This is the world of the Cthulhu Mythos, a tapestry woven from the mind of one of the most enigmatic and influential writers of the 20th century, H. P. Lovecraft.

Published in chronological order, with extensive story and bibliographic notes, this series not only provides access to stories that have been out of print for years, but gives them a historical and social context. Series editors Scott Conners and Ronald S. Hilger excavated the still-existing manuscripts, letters and various published versions of the stories, creating a definitive "preferred text" for Smith's entire body of work. This third volume of the series brings together 21 of his fantasy stories.

In the dark recesses of the province of Averoigne, where mists intertwine with legends, and night conceals secrets, vampires, witches, and ancient powers meet. In this tale full of intrigue and danger, heroes face a choice between light and darkness. Will love and courage be enough to survive this encounter in Averoigne?

In 1369, the appearance of a red comet heralds a bloody visitation from beyond human time and space. "The Beast of Averoigne" by Clark Ashton Smith is a classic horror tale that will transport you to medieval France, where a mysterious beast sows terror and destruction. Listen to this blood-curdling story, narrated by Josh Greenwood, and uncover the secrets that lurk in the shadow of Averoigne.

Over four hours of strange and chilling tales of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and the surreal, including the classics Master of the Crabs by Clark Ashton Smith and Black God's Kiss by C.L. Moore. A unique blend of short stories for fans of all audio genres!

In “The Colossus of Ylourgne,” a mysterious object of colossal proportions instills fear and intrigue among the townspeople. Its shadow falls upon the tranquil village, concealing dark secrets. When a daring individual sets out to uncover the truth, they become entangled in ancient spells, a fight for survival, and extraordinary magic.

A young acolyte steeped in wizardly lore assists his master to uncover an ancient tablet and decipher its dreadful secrets. But their unholy quest awakens a cosmic horror from beyond the stars, which begins to take over their shadows and souls. Can they resist its dark influence, or will they become its victims?

“Mother of Toads” is a short story by Clark Ashton Smith, originally published in the July issue of Weird Tales in 1938. The plot revolves around a young apothecary’s assistant who encounters an extraordinary witch deep in the forest. Listeners are drawn into a mysterious world where magic and supernatural phenomena intertwine with human desires and fears. The tale is filled with intriguing details and unexpected twists that will captivate fans of horror and fantasy.

Zothique est le nom d'un continent. Un monde mythique de sortilèges, de prodiges, d'incongruités, de maléfices et de terreurs innombrables. Dans cet univers, l'amour et la mort ont les couleurs de l'illusion, et les hallucinations sont toujours moins effrayantes que la réalité. Dans les villes et villages, dans les forêts et les campagnes, les morts, les momies, les squelettes ne laissent aux vivants aucun répit et, sans cesse, les assaillent et les poursuivent.

In the deep forests of Averoigne, where magic weaves through everyday life, the mysterious sorcerer Gilles Grenier and his wife Sabine lead a life shrouded in secrets. Their renowned love potions, brewed from rare mandrakes growing in the nearby marshes, attract customers from far and wide. But when Sabine suddenly disappears, Gilles is left alone, and his dark experiments begin to yield unexpected results.

Zothique is Earth's last continent in the very distant future when the sun has grown dim, the world has grown old, and the remorseless seas have overwhelmed all other continents. The sciences have been forgotten as the shadowy arts of sorcery and magic have been reborn. The result: a dark world of mystery in which luxurious kings and wandering heroes venture across dim landscapes, pitting their strength and wisdom against powerful wizards, necromancers, and alien gods.

With inhuman solemnity, the voice of the necromancer went on in a priest-like chant until the last echoes died out in hollow, sepulchral vibrations. Then the colored vapors cleared away. But the pale unearthly glow still filled the changer, and between Malygris and the door where hung the unicorn's head there stood the apparition of Nylissa!