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Clark Ashton Smith finished “The Ghoul” on November 11, 1930 and was pleased with the result. He mentioned it to Lovecraft: “The legend is so hideous, that I would not be surprised if there were some mention of it in the Necronomicon. Will you verify this for me?” Not surprisingly, Smith’s instincts proved to be sound; Lovecraft reported: “Oh, yes — Abdul mentioned your ghoul, & told of other adventures of his.” Clark Ashton Smith made unique contributions to and understanding of the Cthulhu Mythos. In an exchange of letters with August Derleth after the death of their friend Lovecraft, Smith, the first Mythos buff, set forth a notorious theology of the Mythos, making the Old Ones evil foes of the blessed Elder Gods as well as elemental forces of earth, air, fire and water. It is fascinating how Smith’s original tale “The Ghoul,” turned out to be the mere tip of the iceberg for a larger tale, in effect, a kind of round robin to which he, Lovecraft, and Lin Carter would all contribute.
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