Once again, it's been a while for this thread, so I decided to bump it by going in a (slightly) different direction.
I've read a reasonable number of books on the subject of HPL and his work, some of which have become perennial rereads either because of the insights they bring to the subject, the writing itself, or the sheer joy of the intellectual challenge they represent.
However, I'm always on the lookout for further pieces of interest, hence would like to enlist the aid of any out there who may be aware of/have read things which I have not, and therefore can point me in the right direction. In addition, for anyone interested, I'd like to put out some suggestions on books worth giving a go, as well.
Don't be put off by the fact we're talking literary criticism here -- quite a few of these pieces are rich, thought-provoking, and often just plain fun (if in a sometimes -- though not always -- rarefied manner); especially if you enjoy having your brain tickled.
So... among those I'd recommend (though not always without a caution or two, either due to the contents being rather old and therefore superceded, or because they occasionally get a bit esoteric at times) would be:
H. P. Lovecraft: Four Decades of Criticism, ed. by S. T. Joshi
A quite good introduction to the subject of Lovecraft and Lovecraft criticism, featuring some of the earliest articles written for general consumption, going through the 1970s. The writers include Fritz Leiber, Matthew H. Onderdonk, George Wetzel, and (on the opposing side) Edmund Wilson with his "Tales of the Marvellous and Ridiculous", which has been credited with perhaps doing more than anything to retard critical examination of Lovecraft's work for several decades.
HPLA - H.P. Lovecraft: Four Decades of Criticism
The Roots of Horror in the Fiction of H. P. Lovecraft, by Barton L. St. Armand
A fascinating and challenging in-depth reading of "The Rats in the Walls"; despite the Derlethian influence, one of the most thoughtful examinations of themes and motifs in Lovecraft's fiction.
Lovecraft: A Study in the Fantastic, by Maurice Lévy (trans. by S. T. Joshi)
A very provocative book, likely to alienate those who cannot abide a look at some of Lovecraft's less pleasant ideas, yet one which is not at all unsympathetic to him as an artist and writer, and certainly a book which will add to one's appreciation of much of his achievement and its status as genuine literature.
HPLA - Lovecraft: A Study in the Fantastic
H. P. Lovecraft: A Critical Study, by Donald R. Burleson
Certainly among the best general introductions to Lovecraft's work, with some wonderful interpretations and examinations of various techniques, themes, and backgrounds; the major drawback here is that, despite its length, it would have been nice to see Burleson's examination of even more tales (as well as poems) in greater depth.
HPLA - H.P. Lovecraft: A Critical Study
H. P. Lovecraft: Disturbing the Universe, by Donald R. Burleson
Deconstructive reading of several of Lovecraft's tales. Though this particular critical approach tends to get backs up, I find it immensely rich in adding to layers on which to enjoy a piece, and Burleson's book is one of the most easily-readable deconstructive texts I've come across. A tendency to repeat certain points of the methodology, but this is a minor flaw in a book which otherwise rewards rereading.
HPLA - Lovecraft: Disturbing the Universe
An Epicure in the Terrible: A Centennial Anthology of Essays in Honor of H. P. Lovecraft, ed. by David E. Schultz and S. T. Joshi
A wide variety of approaches, from the biographical to thematic studies to those dealing with Lovecraft's use of language and his place in the pulp field (and relationship to Jorge Luis Borges), including yet more thought-provoking pieces by Burleson and St. Armand, as well as some fresh views by the likes of Will Murray, Jason C. Eckhardt, Peter Cannon, and David Schultz.
HPLA - An Epicure in the Terrible
H. P. Lovecraft: The Decline of the West, by S. T. Joshi
An examination of the philosophical underpinnings of Lovecraft's work; thought-provoking, intelligent, challenging, and well worth pondering. Discusses the development of his thought on issues political, social, ethical, and metaphysical, and how this development is reflected in (and how it directed the development of) his fiction.
HPLA - H.P. Lovecraft: The Decline of the West
There are others I'd like to suggest, but some are rather difficult to find (even using interlibrary loan), so I'll leave it at this for now.
Anyone else have suggestions to put out here? Any discussions on those mentioned, or other pieces, more than welcome....
