Page:Joseph Payne Brennan - H. P. Lovecraft, An Evaluation.pdf/11

7. I have not yet seen all of Lovecraft's poetry, but I think I have seen enough to comment briefly. Much of the poetry falls into two main categories: deliberately archaic work imitative of eighteenth-century verse, and a group of weird sonnets known as "Fungi from Yuggoth." The imitative verse is interesting and often competent, but I think the "Fungi" sonnets are far more arresting and effective. A few of the very best of them may survive.

Any criticism of Lovecraft's work, no matter how brief, would be incomplete if it omitted mention of his famous essay, "Supernatural Horror in Literature." Even Edmund Wilson concedes that the essay is "a really able piece of work." In my pamphlet, "H. P. Lovecraft: A Bibliography", I commented: "The background and evolution of the horror tale--a "must" for anyone seriously interested in the genre." The comment still holds. Apart from the letters, I think it is probably the finest piece of non-fiction which Lovecraft ever wrote.

Judging from the few letters and extracts from letters which are in print, Lovecraft's "Selected Letters" (or "Collected") will definitely enhance his reputation. It is probable that their publication will revive and intensify interest in both the man and his work. Lovecraft's erudition, humor and style is such that it is even possible they will eventually tend to eclipse his other work! At this point we can only wait and see.

Lovecraft's final place in American literature has not yet been determined. It is too early for that. But it seems certain that the very best of his work will endure, that it will remain important in the