Page:Weird Tales Volume 2 Number 2 (1923-09).djvu/83
man, the poet and editor of Twenty-one Letters of Ambrose Bierce.
"I have no idea that these things will be found suitable, for I pay no attention to the demands of commercial writing. My object is such pleasure as I can obtain from the creation of certain bizarre pictures, situations, or atmospheric effects; and the only reader I hold in mind is myself.
"My models are invariably the older writers, especially Poe, who has been my favorite literary figure since early childhood. Should any miracle impel you to consider the publication of my tales, I have but one condition to offer; and that is that no excisions be made. If the tale can not be printed as written, down to the very last semicolon and comma, it must gracefully accept rejection. Excision by editors is probably one reason why no living American author has a real prose style... But I am probably safe, for my MSS. are not likely to win your consideration. Dagon has been rejected by — to which I sent it under external impulsion—much as I am sending you the enclosed. This magazine sent me a beautifully tinted and commendably impersonal rejection slip...
"I like Weird Tales very much, though I have seen only the April number. Most of the stories, of course, are more or less commercial—or should I say conventional?—in technique, but they all have an enjoyable angle. Beyond the Door, by Paul Suter, seems to me the most truly touched with the elusive quality of original genius—though A Square of Canvas, by Anthony M. Rud, would be a close second if not so reminiscent in denouement of Balzac's Le Chef d'Oeuvre inconnu—as I recall it across a lapse of years, without a copy at hand. However, one doesn't expect a very deep thrill in this sophisticated and tradesman-minded age. Arthur Machen is the only living man I know of who can stir truly profound and spiritual horror."
Despite the foregoing, or because of it, we are using some of Mr. Lovecraft's unusual stories, and you will find his Dagon in the next issue of Weird Tales.
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And now let us turn from these letters from authors and consider those from our readers. Here's one concerning last month's issue that impresses us quite favorably:
"Dear Mr. Baird: Long live Weird Tales! A more enjoyable magazine I have yet to find. And as I read about eight fiction magazines monthly, this, in a way, is something of a compliment. I just started reading your spooky book last month, but I am loud in praise and heartily wish you unparalleled success.
"I finished the July–August number last night, and I thought that The Room of the Black Velvet Drapes and Mandrake to be the best. In The Outcasts I found nothing weird, or anything else that would distinguish it from any other piece of fiction. Shades and also The Corpse on the Third Slab were very good, but I hesitate to read any of these stories late at night.
"I found The Moon Terror one of the most fascinating stories I ever read. Also, The Man the Law Forgot.
"I see there is quite a heated discussion going on as to the size of your magazine, so I'll cast my vote, also. I like it large, because you don't have to be turning pages all the time.
"Well, doubtless you are thinking this is enough criticism for one letter, so I will close, again wishing you a great success." — Just Another Weird One.
And here are two more that deal with a subject that we've been discussing here of late—namely, the popular fondness for weird fiction:
"Dear Sir: I have read, with a great deal of interest, the first two copies of your new magazine, Weird Tales, and must say that I am delighted that there is, at last, such a magazine on the market. I have always had a great tendency toward reading stories of this sort, and Edgar Allan Poe is my favorite author, but Anthony M. Rud may soon take his place.
"I have often wondered why there were so very few stories in the current magazines dealing in this subject and can not understand why they never accepted them, but I think you have made a great stride in the literature of our day by publishing a magazine devoted to 'horrors.' If I am not mistaken, the public really likes to read something that appeals to their imagination; something they can not understand, and I do not doubt that the 'Unique Magazine' will give them all they want of this in the future. But, according to my mind, its success will depend largely on variety, and your discernment, so far, is faultless in this respect. I am looking forward to reading the next issue with great impatience. Indeed, I wish it was a weekly instead of a monthly periodical." — Charles White, 52 St. John Street, Quebec City, Canada.
"Dear Sir: I would like to say just a word in appreciation of your unique publication, Weird Tales. I believe you have, in this magazine, satisfied a popular craving for fiction that is different and out of the ordinary, especially enjoyed by people possessed of a bit of imagination. Personally, I have enjoyed Weird Tales more than any fiction magazine I have ever read.
"And by the way, I haven't seen many letters in your 'Eyrie' from the rest of my sex. But just because you haven't received as many letters of appreciation from the women as from the men, don't think that we don't enjoy Poe's type of literature as well as they." — Maxine Worthington, Lincoln, Nebraska.
And here are some excerpts—we really haven't space for more—clipped from another batch:
"Dear Mr. Baird: I, too, must add a word of commendation to the man who has courage enough"